Poly(arylene ether) composition, method, and article

ABSTRACT

A thermoplastic composition includes particular amounts of a poly(arylene ether), a hydrogenated block copolymer, a plasticizer, a white pigment, and an ultraviolet radiation stabilizer. The composition exhibits excellent light stability, and it is particularly useful for forming white or off-white cable insulation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Poly(arylene ether) resin is a type of plastic known for its excellentwater resistance, dimensional stability, and inherent flame retardancy.Properties such as strength, stiffness, chemical resistance, and heatresistance can be tailored by blending it with various other plastics inorder to meet the requirements of a wide variety of consumer products,for example, plumbing fixtures, electrical boxes, automotive parts, andinsulation for wire and cable.

Poly(vinyl chloride) is currently the commercial dominant material forflame retardant wire and cable insulation. However, poly(vinyl chloride)is a halogenated material. There is mounting concern over theenvironmental impact of halogenated materials, and non-halogenatedalternatives are being sought. There is therefore a strong desire—and insome places a legislative mandate—to replace poly(vinyl chloride) withnon-halogenated polymer compositions. Given the popularity ofwhite-colored small appliances and personal electronic devices, there isalso a particular need for white or off-white colored cable insulationcompositions that retain their color after photochemical aging.

Recent research has demonstrated that halogen-free poly(arylene ether)compositions can possess the physical and flame retardant propertiesneeded for use as wire and cable insulation. See, for example, U.S.Patent Application Publication Nos. US 2006/131050 A1 and US 2006/131052A1 and US 2006/135661 A1 of Mhetar et al., US 2006/131053 A1 and US2006/134416 A1 of Kubo et al., US 2006/131059 A1 of Xu et al., and US2006/135695 A1 of Guo et al. However, the compositions disclosed inthese references are difficult to formulate in a white or off-whitecolor, or they exhibit insufficient thermal or photochemical colorstability, or both. And, while the problem of photochemical yellowing ofpoly(arylene ether)-containing compositions has long been known,existing solutions to this problem are either ineffective or impracticalfor white and off-white wire and cable insulation. For example, in oneapproach, photochemical yellowing of the poly(arylene ether) iscompensated for by the incorporation of a photobleachable dye. See, forexample, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,493,915 and 4,551,494 to Lohmeijer. Thisapproach is not effective in white and off-white poly(arylene ether)compositions because the presence of the photobleachable dye isincompatible with the desired white or off-white color. In anotherapproach, the surface of an article comprising a polyphenylene ether anda second resin is treated with solvent to selectively removepolyphenylene ether from the surface of the article. See, for example,U.S. Pat. No. 5,055,494 to van der Meer. This approach is impracticalfor wire and cable insulation because of the large surface area thatwould need to be solvent treated.

There therefore remains a need for white and off-white coloredpoly(arylene ether) compositions that exhibit the physical and flameretardant properties required for wire and cable insulation and furtherexhibit color stability after prolonged light exposure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The above-described and other drawbacks are alleviated by a composition,comprising: about 10 to about 45 weight percent of a poly(aryleneether); about 9 to about 80 weight percent of a hydrogenated blockcopolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene; about8 to about 25 weight percent of a plasticizer; about 1 to about 12weight percent of a white pigment; and about 0.1 to about 5 weightpercent of an ultraviolet radiation stabilizer; wherein the hydrogenatedblock copolymer and the poly(arylene ether) are present in a weightratio of about 0.3 to about 4; wherein the composition comprises lessthan or equal to 20 weight percent of rubber-modified polystyrene;wherein the composition is substantially free of polyethylenehomopolymers and polypropylene homopolymers; wherein all weight percentsare based on the total weight of the composition; and wherein thecomposition exhibits a CIE lightness value, L*, value of at least 70measured according to ASTM D2244, and a CIELAB color shift, ΔE, lessthan or equal to 3 measured according to ASTM D2244 after 300 hoursexposure to xenon arc exposure according to ASTM D4459.

Another embodiment is a composition, comprising: about 18 to about 30weight percent of a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether); about 23 toabout 35 weight percent of apolystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer;about 4 to about 10 weight percent of a polybutene; about 0.5 to about 3weight percent of an ethylene-propylene rubber; about 3 to about 10weight percent of mineral oil; about 8 to about 16 weight percent ofbisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate); about 2 to about 10 weight percentof magnesium hydroxide; about 4 to about 16 weight percent of melaminepolyphosphate; about 2 to about 6 weight percent of titanium dioxide;about 0.1 to about 0.6 weight percent of a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin;about 0.3 to about 1 weight percent of a hydroxyphenyl benzotriazole;and about 0.6 to about 1.5 weight percent of a bis(piperidinyl)sebacate;wherein the composition is substantially free of rubber-modifiedpolystyrene, polyethylene homopolymer, and polypropylene homopolymer;wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of thecomposition; and wherein the composition exhibits a CIE lightness value,L*, value of about 80 to about 90, a CIE a* value of about −1.5 to about0.5, a CIE b* value of about −2.5 to about 1.5, a CIELAB color shift,ΔE, of about 0.1 to about 2, measured according to ASTM D2244 after 300hours exposure to xenon arc exposure according to ASTM D4459, and aflexural modulus of about 50 to about 100 megapascals, measured at 23°C. according to ASTM D790.

Another embodiment is a method of preparing a thermoplastic composition,comprising: melt kneading about 10 to about 45 weight percent of apoly(arylene ether), about 9 to about 80 weight percent of ahydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and aconjugated diene, about 8 to about 25 weight percent of a plasticizer,about 1 to about 12 weight percent of a white pigment, and about 0.1 toabout 5 weight percent of an ultraviolet radiation stabilizer; whereinthe hydrogenated block copolymer and the poly(arylene ether) are presentin a weight ratio of about 0.3 to about 4; wherein the compositioncomprises less than or equal to 20 weight percent of rubber-modifiedpolystyrene; wherein the composition is substantially free ofpolyethylene homopolymer and polypropylene homopolymer; wherein allweight percents are based on the total weight of the composition; andwherein the composition exhibits a CIE lightness value, L*, value of atleast 70 measured according to ASTM D2244, and a CIE color shift, ΔE,less than or equal to 3 measured according to ASTM D2244 after 300 hoursexposure to xenon arc exposure according to ASTM D4459.

Another embodiment is a method of preparing a thermoplastic composition,comprising: melt kneading about 18 to about 30 weight percent of apoly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether), about 23 to about 35 weightpercent of a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblockcopolymer, about 4 to about 10 weight percent of a polybutene, about 0.5to about 3 weight percent of an ethylene-propylene rubber, about 3 toabout 10 weight percent of mineral oil, about 8 to about 16 weightpercent of bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate), about 2 to about 10weight percent of magnesium hydroxide, about 4 to about 16 weightpercent of melamine polyphosphate, about 2 to about 6 weight percent oftitanium dioxide, about 0.1 to about 0.6 weight percent of acycloaliphatic epoxy resin, about 0.3 to about 1 weight percent of ahydroxyphenyl benzotriazole, and about 0.6 to about 1.5 weight percentof a bis(piperidinyl)sebacate; wherein the composition is substantiallyfree of rubber-modified polystyrene, polyethylene homopolymer, andpolypropylene homopolymer; wherein all weight percents are based on thetotal weight of the composition; and wherein the composition exhibits aCIE lightness value, L*, value of about 80 to about 90, a CIE a* valueof about −1.5 to about 0.5, a CIE b* value of about −2.5 to about 1.5, aCIELAB color shift, ΔE, of about 0.1 to about 2, measured according toASTM D2244 after 300 hours exposure to xenon arc exposure according toASTM D4459, and a flexural modulus of about 50 to about 100 megapascals,measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.

Another embodiment is a method of insulating an electrical wire,comprising: extrusion coating an electrical wire with a compositioncomprising about 10 to about 45 weight percent of a poly(arylene ether),about 9 to about 80 weight percent of a hydrogenated block copolymer ofan alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene, about 8 to about 25weight percent of a plasticizer, about 1 to about 12 weight percent of awhite pigment, and about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent of an ultravioletradiation stabilizer; wherein the hydrogenated block copolymer and thepoly(arylene ether) are present in a weight ratio of about 0.3 to about4; wherein the composition comprises less than or equal to 20 weightpercent of rubber-modified polystyrene; wherein the composition issubstantially free of polyethylene homopolymer and polypropylenehomopolymer; wherein all weight percents are based on the total weightof the composition; and wherein the composition exhibits a CIE lightnessvalue, L*, value of at least 70 measured according to ASTM D2244, and aCIELAB color shift, ΔE, less than or equal to 3 measured according toASTM D2244 after 300 hours exposure to xenon arc exposure according toASTM D4459.

Another embodiment is a method of insulating an electrical wire,comprising: extrusion coating an electrical wire with a compositioncomprising about 18 to about 30 weight percent of apoly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether), about 23 to about 35 weightpercent of a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblockcopolymer, about 4 to about 10 weight percent of a polybutene, about 0.5to about 3 weight percent of an ethylene-propylene rubber, about 3 toabout 10 weight percent of mineral oil, about 8 to about 16 weightpercent of bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate), about 2 to about 10weight percent of magnesium hydroxide, about 4 to about 16 weightpercent of melamine polyphosphate, about 2 to about 6 weight percent oftitanium dioxide, about 0.1 to about 0.6 weight percent of acycloaliphatic epoxy resin, about 0.3 to about 1 weight percent of ahydroxyphenyl benzotriazole, and about 0.6 to about 1.5 weight percentof a bis(piperidinyl)sebacate; wherein the composition is substantiallyfree of rubber-modified polystyrene, polyethylene homopolymer, andpolypropylene homopolymer; wherein all weight percents are based on thetotal weight of the composition; and wherein the composition exhibits aCIE lightness value, L*, value of about 80 to about 90, a CIE a* valueof about −1.5 to about 0.5, a CIE b* value of about −2.5 to about 1.5, aCIELAB color shift, ΔE, of about 0.1 to about 2, measured according toASTM D2244 after 300 hours exposure to xenon arc exposure according toASTM D4459, and a flexural modulus of about 50 to about 100 megapascals,measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.

These and other embodiments, including articles comprising thecomposition and particularly cable insulation comprising thecomposition, are described in detail below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present inventors have conducted research on flexible poly(aryleneether) compositions, searching for white and off-white compositions withsubstantially improved light stability. It was known at the outset ofthis work that poly(arylene ether)s and their blends with polystyrenes,polyamides, and polyolefin homopolymers exhibit poor light stability.Specifically, it was known that poly(arylene ether) yellows on exposureto ultraviolet (UV) and visible light, including fluorescent light. Theinventors initially focused on flexible blends comprising poly(aryleneether) and rubber-modified polystyrene. Although the UV stability ofthese blends could be improved by the incorporation of UV stabilizingadditives, the resulting compositions exhibited either insufficientinitial lightness or insufficient UV stability. Blends comprisingpoly(arylene ether) and hydrogenated block copolymer often exhibitedacceptable initial lightness, but their UV stability was often inferiorto that of poly(arylene ether)/rubber-modified polystyrene blends. Theinventors then fortuitously discovered that compositions comprisingpoly(arylene ether), hydrogenated block copolymer, a plasticizer for thepoly(arylene ether), and UV stabilizing additives, each in particularamounts, provided a substantial and unexpected improvement in UVstability. As demonstrated in the working examples below, this UVstability advantage is lost when another impact modifier, such ashigh-impact polystyrene (HIPS), is substituted for the hydrogenatedblock copolymer, or when the plasticizer is omitted. Thus, there appearsto be a three-way interaction between the poly(arylene ether), thehydrogenated block copolymer, and the plasticizer that increases theeffectiveness of the UV stabilizing additives. This complex interactionof components was unexpected, and it provides unprecedented UV stabilityfor light-colored, flexible poly(arylene ether) compositions having theparticular component amounts claimed herein. In particular, the flexiblepoly(arylene ether) compositions exhibit an initial CIE lightness value,L*, value of at least 70, and a CIE color shift, ΔE, less than or equalto 3 measured according to ASTM D2244 after 300 hours exposure to xenonarc exposure. The present inventors further unexpectedly found that asimilar UV stabilizing effect is observed in compositions substituting acopolymer of ethylene and a C₃-C₁₂ alpha-olefin for a portion of thehydrogenated block copolymer of the embodiment described above. Thesediscoveries represent very significant breakthroughs, because they allowflexible poly(arylene ether) compositions to be used in place ofpoly(vinyl chloride) for white and off-white colored wire and cableinsulation.

Thus, one embodiment is a composition, comprising: about 10 to about 45weight percent of a poly(arylene ether); about 9 to about 80 weightpercent of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromaticcompound and a conjugated diene; about 8 to about 25 weight percent of aplasticizer; about 1 to about 12 weight percent of a white pigment; andabout 0.1 to about 5 weight percent of an ultraviolet radiationstabilizer; wherein the hydrogenated block copolymer and thepoly(arylene ether) are present in a weight ratio of about 0.3 to about4; wherein the composition comprises less than or equal to 20 weightpercent of rubber-modified polystyrene; wherein the composition issubstantially free of polyethylene homopolymers and polypropylenehomopolymers; wherein all weight percents are based on the total weightof the composition; and wherein the composition exhibits a CIE lightnessvalue, L*, value of at least 70 measured according to ASTM D2244, and aCIELAB color shift, ΔE, less than or equal to 3 measured according toASTM D2244 after 300 hours exposure to xenon arc exposure according toASTM D4459.

Another embodiment is a composition, comprising: about 10 to about 45weight percent of a poly(arylene ether); about 5 to about 40 weightpercent of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromaticcompound and a conjugated diene; about 10 to about 55 weight percent ofa copolymer of ethylene and a C₃-C₁₂ alpha-olefin; about 8 to about 25weight percent of a plasticizer; about 1 to about 12 weight percent of awhite pigment; and about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent of an ultravioletradiation stabilizer; wherein the composition comprises less than orequal to 20 weight percent of rubber-modified polystyrene; wherein allweight percents are based on the total weight of the composition; andwherein the composition exhibits a CIE lightness value, L*, value of atleast 70 measured according to ASTM D2244, and a CIELAB color shift, ΔE,less than or equal to 3 measured according to ASTM D2244 after 300 hoursexposure to xenon arc exposure according to ASTM D4459.

The composition comprises a poly(arylene ether). In some embodiments,the poly(arylene ether) comprises repeating structural units having theformula

wherein for each structural unit, each Z¹ is independently halogen,unsubstituted or substituted C₁-C₁₂ hydrocarbyl with the proviso thatthe hydrocarbyl group is not tertiary hydrocarbyl, C₁-C₁₂hydrocarbylthio (that is, (C₁-C₁₂ hydrocarbyl)S—), C₁-C₁₂hydrocarbyloxy, or C₂-C₁₂ halohydrocarbyloxy wherein at least two carbonatoms separate the halogen and oxygen atoms; and each Z² isindependently hydrogen, halogen, unsubstituted or substituted C₁-C₁₂hydrocarbyl with the proviso that the hydrocarbyl group is not tertiaryhydrocarbyl, C₁-C₁₂ hydrocarbylthio, C₁-C₁₂ hydrocarbyloxy, or C₂-C₁₂halohydrocarbyloxy wherein at least two carbon atoms separate thehalogen and oxygen atoms. As used herein, the term “hydrocarbyl”,whether used by itself, or as a prefix, suffix, or fragment of anotherterm, refers to a residue that contains only carbon and hydrogen. Theresidue can be aliphatic or aromatic, straight-chain, cyclic, bicyclic,branched, saturated, or unsaturated. It can also contain combinations ofaliphatic, aromatic, straight chain, cyclic, bicyclic, branched,saturated, and unsaturated hydrocarbon moieties.

In some embodiments, the poly(arylene ether) comprises2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether units, 2,3,6-trimethyl-1,4-phenyleneether units, or a combination thereof.

The poly(arylene ether) can comprise molecules havingaminoalkyl-containing end group(s), typically located in a positionortho to the hydroxy group. Also frequently present aretetramethyldiphenoquinone (TMDQ) end groups, typically obtained from2,6-dimethylphenol-containing reaction mixtures in whichtetramethyldiphenoquinone by-product is present. The poly(arylene ether)can be in the form of a homopolymer, a copolymer, a graft copolymer, anionomer, or a block copolymer, as well as combinations comprising atleast one of the foregoing.

The poly(arylene ether) can have a number average molecular weight ofabout 3,000 to about 40,000 atomic mass units (AMU) and a weight averagemolecular weight of about 5,000 to about 80,000 AMU, as determined bygel permeation chromatography using monodisperse polystyrene standards,a styrene divinyl benzene gel at 40° C. and samples having aconcentration of 1 milligram per milliliter of chloroform. Thepoly(arylene ether) can have an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.05 toabout 1.0 deciliter per gram (dL/g), as measured in chloroform at 25°C., specifically about 0.1 to about 0.8 dL/g, more specifically about0.2 to about 0.6 dL/g, even more specifically about 0.3 to about 0.6dL/g. Those skilled in the art understand that intrinsic viscosity of apoly(arylene ether) can increase by up to 30% on melt kneading. Theabove intrinsic viscosity range of 0.05 to about 1.0 deciliter per gramis intended to encompass intrinsic viscosities both before and aftermelt kneading to form the composition. A blend of poly(arylene ether)resins having different intrinsic viscosities can be used.

The composition comprises about 10 to about 45 weight percent of thepoly(arylene ether), based on the total weight of the composition.Within this range, the poly(arylene ether) amount specifically may beabout 15 to about 40 weight percent, more specifically about 18 to about36 weight percent, even more specifically about 21 to about 30 weightpercent, still more specifically about 21 to about 25 weight percent.

In addition to the poly(arylene ether), the composition comprises ahydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and aconjugated diene. For brevity, this component is referred to herein asthe “hydrogenated block copolymer”. The hydrogenated block copolymer maycomprise about 10 to about 90 weight percent of poly(alkenyl aromatic)content and about 90 to about 10 weight percent of hydrogenatedpoly(conjugated diene) content. In some embodiments, the poly(alkenylaromatic) content is about 10 to 45 weight percent, specifically about20 to about 40 weight percent. In other embodiments, the poly(alkenylaromatic) content is greater than 45 weight percent to about 90 weightpercent, specifically about 55 to about 80 weight percent. Thehydrogenated block copolymer can have a weight average molecular weightof about 40,000 to about 400,000 atomic mass units. As for thepoly(arylene ether) component, the number average molecular weight andthe weight average molecular weight may be determined by gel permeationchromatography and based on comparison to polystyrene standards. In someembodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer has a weight averagemolecular weight of 200,000 to about 400,000 atomic mass units,specifically 220,000 to about 350,000 atomic mass units. In otherembodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer can have a weight averagemolecular weight of about 40,000 to less than 200,000 atomic mass units,specifically about 40,000 to about 180,000 atomic mass units, morespecifically about 40,000 to about 150,000 atomic mass units.

The alkenyl aromatic monomer used to prepare the hydrogenated blockcopolymer can have the structure

wherein R²⁰ and R²¹ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, aC₁-C₈ allyl group, or a C₂-C₈ alkenyl group; R²² and R²⁶ eachindependently represent a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₈ alkyl group, a chlorineatom, or a bromine atom; and R²³, R²⁴, and R²⁵ each independentlyrepresent a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₈ alkyl group, or a C₂-C₈ alkenylgroup, or R²³ and R²⁴ are taken together with the central aromatic ringto form a naphthyl group, or R²⁴ and R²⁵ are taken together with thecentral aromatic ring to form a naphthyl group. Specific alkenylaromatic monomers include, for example, styrene, chlorostyrenes such asp-chlorostyrene, and methylstyrenes such as alpha-methylstyrene andp-methylstyrene. In some embodiments, the alkenyl aromatic monomer isstyrene.

The conjugated diene used to prepare the hydrogenated block copolymercan be a C₄-C₂₀ conjugated diene. Suitable conjugated dienes include,for example, 1,3-butadiene, 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene,2-chloro-1,3-butadiene, 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene, 1,3-pentadiene,1,3-hexadiene, and the like, and combinations thereof. In someembodiments, the conjugated diene is 1,3-butadiene,2-methyl-1,3-butadiene, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments,the conjugated diene consists of 1,3-butadiene.

The hydrogenated block copolymer is a copolymer comprising (A) at leastone block derived from an alkenyl aromatic compound and (B) at least oneblock derived from a conjugated diene, in which the aliphaticunsaturated group content in the block (B) is at least partially reducedby hydrogenation. In some embodiments, the aliphatic unsaturation in the(B) block is reduced by at least 50 percent, specifically at least 70percent. The arrangement of blocks (A) and (B) includes a linearstructure, a grafted structure, and a radial teleblock structure with orwithout a branched chain. Linear block copolymers include tapered linearstructures and non-tapered linear structures. In some embodiments, thehydrogenated block copolymer has a tapered linear structure. In someembodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer has a non-tapered linearstructure. In some embodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymercomprises a B block that comprises random incorporation of alkenylaromatic monomer. Linear block copolymer structures include diblock (A-Bblock), triblock (A-B-A block or B-A-B block), tetrablock (A-B-A-Bblock), and pentablock (A-B-A-B-A block or B-A-B-A-B block) structuresas well as linear structures containing 6 or more blocks in total of Aand B, wherein the molecular weight of each A block may be the same asor different from that of other A blocks, and the molecular weight ofeach B block may be the same as or different from that of other Bblocks. In some embodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer is adiblock copolymer, a triblock copolymer, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer is apolystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer. Insome embodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer is apolystyrene-poly(ethylene-propylene) diblock copolymer. These blockcopolymers do not include the residue of any functionalizing agents orany monomers other than those indicated by their names.

In some embodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer excludes theresidue of monomers other than the alkenyl aromatic compound and theconjugated diene. In some embodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymerconsists of blocks derived from the alkenyl aromatic compound and theconjugated diene. It does not comprise grafts formed from these or anyother monomers. It also consists of carbon and hydrogen atoms andtherefore excludes heteroatoms.

In some embodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer includes theresidue of one or more acid functionalizing agents, such as maleicanhydride.

Methods for preparing hydrogenated block copolymers are known in the artand many hydrogenated block copolymers are commercially available.Illustrative commercially available hydrogenated block copolymersinclude the polystyrene-poly(ethylene-propylene) diblock copolymersavailable from Kraton Polymers as Kraton G1701 and G1702; thepolystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymersavailable from Kraton Polymers as Kraton G1641, G1650, G1651, G1654,G1657, G1726, G4609, G4610, GRP-6598, RP-6924, MD-6932M, MD-6933, andMD-6939; the polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene-styrene)-polystyrene(S-EB/S-S) triblock copolymers available from Kraton Polymers as KratonRP-6935 and RP-6936, thepolystyrene-poly(ethylene-propylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymersavailable from Kraton Polymers as Kraton G1730; the maleicanhydride-grafted polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrenetriblock copolymers available from Kraton Polymers as Kraton G1901,G1924, and MD-6684; the maleic anhydride-graftedpolystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene-styrene)-polystyrene triblockcopolymer available from Kraton Polymers as Kraton MD-6670; thepolystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymercomprising 67 weight percent polystyrene available from AK Elastomer asTUFTEC H1043; the polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrenetriblock copolymer comprising 42 weight percent polystyrene availablefrom AK Elastomer as TUFTEC H1051; thepolystyrene-poly(butadiene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymersavailable from AK Elastomer as TUFTEC P1000 and P2000; thepolystyrene-polybutadiene-poly(styrene-butadiene)-polybutadiene blockcopolymer available from AK Elastomer as S.O.E.-SS L601; thehydrogenated radial block copolymers available from Chevron PhillipsChemical Company as K-Resin KK38, KR01, KR03, and KR05; thepolystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymercomprising about 60 weight polystyrene available from Kuraray as SEPTONS8104; the polystyrene-poly(ethylene-ethylene/propylene)-polystyrenetriblock copolymers available from Kuraray as SEPTON S4044, S4055,S4077, and S4099; and thepolystyrene-poly(ethylene-propylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymercomprising about 65 weight percent polystyrene available from Kuraray asSEPTON S2104. Mixtures of two of more hydrogenated block copolymers maybe used.

The composition comprises the hydrogenated block copolymer in an amountof about 9 to about 80 weight percent, based on the total weight of thecomposition. Within this range, the hydrogenated block copolymer amountmay be specifically about 10 to about 60 weight percent, morespecifically about 15 to about 60 weight percent, still morespecifically about 20 to about 50 weight percent, even more specificallyabout 23 to about 40 weight percent, yet more specifically about 27 toabout 32 weight percent.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the hydrogenated blockcopolymer is provided in the form of a melt-kneaded blend comprisinghydrogenated block copolymer, an ethylene-propylene copolymer, andmineral oil. In this context, the term “melt-kneaded blend” means thatthe hydrogenated block copolymer, the ethylene-propylene copolymer, andthe mineral oil are melt-kneaded with each other before beingmelt-kneaded with other components. The ethylene-propylene copolymer inthis melt-kneaded blend is an elastomeric copolymer (that is, aso-called ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR)). Suitable ethylene-propylenecopolymers are described below in the context of the optionalethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer. In these blends, the hydrogenated blockcopolymer amount may be about 20 to about 60 weight percent,specifically about 30 to about 50 weight percent; the ethylene-propylenecopolymer amount may be about 2 to about 20 weight percent, specificallyabout 5 to about 15 weight percent; and the mineral oil amount may beabout 30 to about 70 weight percent, specifically about 40 to about 60weight percent; wherein all weight percents are based on the totalweight of the melt-kneaded blend.

The hydrogenated block copolymer and the poly(arylene ether) are presentin a weight ratio of about 0.3 to about 4. In other words, the weightratio of the hydrogenated block copolymer to the poly(arylene ether) isabout 0.3:1 to about 4:1.) Within this range, the weight ratio of thehydrogenated block copolymer to the poly(arylene ether) may bespecifically about 0.7 to about 3, more specifically about 1.2 to about3, even more specifically about 1.2 to about 1.5.

In addition to the poly(arylene ether) and the hydrogenated blockcopolymer, the composition comprises a plasticizer. As used herein, theterm “plasticizer” refers to a compound that is effective to plasticizethe composition as a whole or at least one component of the composition.In some embodiments, the plasticizer is effective to plasticize thepoly(arylene ether). The plasticizers are typically low molecularweight, relatively nonvolatile molecules that dissolve in a polymer,separating the chains from each other and hence facilitating reptationand reducing the glass transition temperature of the composition. Insome embodiments, the plasticizer has a glass transition temperature(T_(g)) of about −110 to −50° C., is miscible primarily withpoly(arylene ether) resin, and has a molecular weight less than or equalto 1,000 grams per mole.

Suitable plasticizers include, for example, benzoate esters (includingdibenzoate esters), pentaerythritol esters, triaryl phosphates(including halogen substituted triaryl phosphates), phthalate esters,trimellitate esters, pyromellitate esters, and the like, and mixturesthereof.

In some embodiments, the plasticizer is a triaryl phosphate. Suitabletriaryl phosphates include those having the structure

wherein each aryl group, Ar, is independently a directly bound C₆-C₁₂aromatic group optionally substituted with one or more substituentsselected from C₁-C₁₂ hydrocarbyl, C₁-C₁₂ hydrocarbyloxy, halogen,hydroxy, nitro, cyano, carboxy, and the like. Illustrative examplesinclude triphenyl phosphate, tritolyl phosphate, isopropylated triphenylphosphate, butylated triphenyl phosphate, and the like. Triarylphosphates further include molecules wherein two or more diarylphosphate groups are each bound to one or more aryl fragments of alinking group. Illustrative examples include resorcinol bis(diphenylphosphate) (“RDP”; CAS Reg. No. 57583-54-7; Phosphoric acid,1,3-phenylene tetraphenyl ester) and bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate)(“BPADP”; CAS Reg. No. 5945-33-5; phosphoric acid,(1-methylethylidene)di-4,1-phenylene tetraphenyl ester). In someembodiments, the triaryl phosphate is halogen free. In otherembodiments, the triaryl phosphate comprises one or more halogensubstituents.

The composition comprises the triaryl phosphate in an amount of about 8to about 25 weight percent, based on the total weight of thecomposition. Within this range, the triaryl phosphate amount may bespecifically about 9 to about 20 weight percent, more specifically about9 to about 15 weight percent, even more specifically about 10 to about12 weight percent.

In addition to the poly(arylene ether), the hydrogenated blockcopolymer, and the triaryl phosphate, the composition comprises a whitepigment. The white pigment contributes to the white or off-white colorof the composition. Suitable white pigments include, for example,calcium carbonate, kaolin, talc, calcium sulfate, barium sulfate,titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, zinc sulfide, zinc carbonate, satin white,aluminum silicate, diatomaceous earth, calcium silicate, magnesiumsilicate, synthetic amorphous silica, colloidal silica, colloidalalumina, pseudo-boehmite, aluminum hydroxide, alumina, modified alumina,lithopone, zeolite, hydrated halloysite, magnesium carbonate, magnesiumhydroxide, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the white pigmentis zinc sulfide, titanium dioxide (including rutile titanium dioxide),or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the white pigment is titaniumdioxide.

The composition comprises white pigment in an amount of about 1 to about12 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition. Withinthis range, the white pigment amount may be specifically about 2 toabout 8 weight percent, more specifically about 3 to about 5 weightpercent.

In addition to the poly(arylene ether), the hydrogenated blockcopolymer, the triaryl phosphate, and the white pigment, the compositioncomprises an ultraviolet radiation stabilizer. As used herein, the term“ultraviolet radiation stabilizer” includes not only compounds thatdirectly absorb ultraviolet light (so-called UV absorbers), but alsocompounds that quench photochemical excited states, compounds thatdecompose hydroperoxide intermediates, and compounds that scavenge freeradical intermediates. Suitable classes of ultraviolet radiationstabilizers include benzophenone-type UV absorbers (including2-hydroxybenzophenones and hydroxyphenylbenzophenones),benzotriazole-type UV absorbers (including2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazoles), hindered amine light stabilizers,cinnamate-type UV absorbers, oxanilide-type UV absorbers,2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine UV absorbers, benzoxazinone-type UVabsorbers, cycloaliphatic epoxy compounds, phosphite compounds, and thelike. Additional classes of ultraviolet radiation stabilizers aredescribed in H. Zweifel, Ed., “Plastics Additive Handbook”, 5th Edition,Cincinnati: Hanser Gardner Publications, Inc. (2001), pages 206-238.

Benzophenone-type UV absorbers include those having the structure

wherein R¹ is hydrogen or C₁-C₁₂ alkyl.

Benzotriazole-type UV absorbers include those having the structure

wherein X¹ is hydrogen or chloro; R² is C₁-C₁₂ alkyl; and R³ is hydrogenor C₁-C₁₂ alkyl. A specific illustrative benzotriazole-type UV absorberis 2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-tert-octylphenyl)benzotriazole, CAS Reg. No.3147-75-9.

Hindered amine light stabilizers generally comprise a 5- or 6-memberedring comprising a nitrogen atom bonded to two quaternary carbons. Forexample, suitable hindered amine light stabilizers include those havingthe structure

wherein n is 2 to 12, and specifically wherein n is 8. In someembodiments, the hindered amine light stabilizer isbis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)sebacate, CAS Reg. No. 52829-07-9.

Cinnamate-type UV absorbers include those having the structure

wherein R⁴ is hydrogen or vinyl or C₁-C₆ alkoxy (specifically methoxy);R⁵ is hydrogen or C₁-C₁₂ hydrocarbyl, specifically methyl or phenyl; andR⁶ and R⁷ are each independently hydrogen, cyano, (—CN) orcarboxy(C₁-C₁₂)alkyl.

Oxanilide-type UV absorbers include those having the structure

wherein R⁸ and R⁹ are each independently C₁-C₆ alkyl; and R¹⁰ and R¹¹are each independently hydrogen or C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, specificallytert-butyl.

2-(2′-Hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine UV absorbers include those havingthe structure

wherein R¹² is C₁-C₁₂ alkyl; and R¹³, R¹⁴, R¹⁵, and R¹⁶ are eachindependently hydrogen or C₁-C₆ alkyl (specifically methyl) or C₆-C₁₂aryl (specifically phenyl).

Benzoxazinone-type UV absorbers include those having the structure

wherein R¹⁷, R¹⁸, and R¹⁹ are independently at each occurrence C₁-C₁₂alkyl or C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy; and x, y, and z are each independently 0, 1, or2.

Cycloaliphatic epoxy compounds include, for example, cyclopentene oxide,cyclohexene oxide, 4-vinylcyclohexene oxide, 4-vinylcyclohexene dioxide,3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl 3′,4′-epoxycyclohexylcarboxylate (CAS Reg. No.2386-87-0), 4-alkoxymethylcyclohexene oxides, acyloxymethylcyclohexeneoxides,1,3-bis(2-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethydisiloxane,2-epoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene, and the like.

Mixtures of two or more UV stabilizers may be used. In some embodiments,the ultraviolet radiation stabilizer comprises a benzotriazole and ahindered amine light stabilizer. In some embodiments, the ultravioletradiation stabilizer further comprises a cycloaliphatic epoxy compound.

The total amount of ultraviolet radiation stabilizer is about 0.1 toabout 5 weight percent, based on the total composition. Within thisrange, the total ultraviolet radiation stabilizer amount may bespecifically about 0.2 to about 3 weight percent, or about 0.5 to about2 weight percent.

The composition may, optionally, further comprise a blue pigment.

The composition may, optionally, further comprise an opticallybrightener. Suitable optical brighteners are known in the art andinclude, for example, the optical brightener available as UVITEX OB fromCiba, and the optical brightener available as EASTOBRITE OB-1 fromEastman Chemical Company.

The composition may, optionally, further comprise a polybutene. As usedherein, the term polybutene refers to a polymer comprising greater than75 weight percent of units, specifically greater than 80 weight percentof units, derived from 1-butene, 2-butene, 2-methylpropene (isobutene),or a combination thereof. The polybutene may be a homopolymer or acopolymer. In some embodiments, the polybutene consists of units derivedfrom 1-butene, 2-butene, 2-methylpropene (isobutene), or a combinationthereof. In other embodiments, the polybutene is a copolymer thatcomprises 1 to less than 25 weight percent of a copolymerizable monomersuch as ethylene, propylene, or 1-octene. In some embodiments, thepolybutene has a number average molecular weight of about 700 to about1,000 atomic mass units. Suitable polybutenes include, for example, theisobutene-butene copolymer having a number average molecular weight ofabout 800 atomic mass units obtained from Innovene as Indopol H50.

The composition may further comprise a copolymer of ethylene and aC₃-C₁₂ alpha-olefin. For brevity, this component is sometimes referredto herein as an ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer. Theethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer is defined herein as a copolymercomprising 25 to 95 weight percent, specifically 60 to 85 weightpercent, of units derived from ethylene and 75 to 5 weight percent,specifically 40 to 15 weight percent, of units derived from a C₃-C₁₂alpha-olefin. In some embodiments, the ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymeris a random copolymer such as, for example, ethylene-propylene rubber(“EPR”), linear low density polyethylene (“LLDPE”), or very low densitypolyethylene (“VLDPE”). In other embodiments, the ethylene/alpha-olefincopolymer is a block copolymer comprising at least one block consistingof ethylene homopolymer or propylene homopolymer and one block that is arandom copolymer of ethylene and a C₃-C₁₂ alpha-olefin. Suitablealpha-olefins include propene, 1-butene, and 1-octene. In someembodiments, the ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer has a melt flow indexof about 0.1 to about 20 grams per 10 minutes measured at 200° C. and2.16 kilograms force. In some embodiments, the ethylene/alpha-olefincopolymer has a density of about 0.8 to about 0.9 grams per milliliter.In some embodiments, the ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer is anethylene-propylene rubber. In some embodiments, theethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer is provided in the form of amelt-kneaded blend comprising hydrogenated block copolymer,ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer, and mineral oil.

In embodiments in which the composition is substantially free ofpolyethylene homopolymers and polypropylene homopolymers, theethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer is an optional component and, whenpresent, may be used in an amount of about 0.5 to about 6 weightpercent, based on the total weight of the composition. Within thisrange, the ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer amount may be specifically 1to about 4 weight percent, more specifically about 1.5 to about 3 weightpercent. In some embodiments, the composition comprises 0 to less than 1weight percent of an ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer. In someembodiments, the composition excludes ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer.

In embodiments in which the ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer is arequired component, it may be used in an amount of about 10 to about 55weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition. Withinthis range, the amount of the ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer may beabout 15 to about 50 weight percent, specifically about 20 to about 45weight percent, more specifically about 25 to about 40 weight percent.

The composition comprises less than or equal to 20 weight percent ofrubber-modified polystyrene, based on the total weight of thecomposition. It has been observed that incorporation of rubber-modifiedpolystyrene in amounts greater than 20 weight percent is associated withreduced UV stability. In some embodiments, the composition comprisesrubber-modified polystyrene in an amount less than or equal to 15 weightpercent, specifically less than or equal to 10 weight percent, morespecifically less than or equal to 5 weight percent, even morespecifically less than or equal to 1 weight percent, yet morespecifically less than or equal to 0.1 weight percent. In someembodiments, the composition is substantially free of rubber-modifiedpolystyrene. In this context, “substantially free” means that norubber-modified polystyrene is intentionally added to the composition.

In some embodiments, the composition is substantially free ofpolyethylene homopolymer and polypropylene homopolymer. The term“polyethylene homopolymer” means a homopolymer of ethylene. The term“polypropylene homopolymer” means a homopolymer of propylene. In thiscontext, “substantially free” means that no polyethylene homopolymer orpolypropylene homopolymer is intentionally added to the composition. Insome embodiments, the composition comprises less than 1 weight percentof polyethylene homopolymer, polypropylene homopolymer, or a mixturethereof. In some embodiments, the composition comprises less than 0.5weight percent, or less than 0.1 weight percent, or none at all of thesehomopolymers. Polyethylene homopolymers include high densitypolyethylenes and low density polyethylenes (but not linear low densitypolyethylenes, which are copolymers). Polyethylene homopolymers andpolypropylene homopolymers as defined herein are nonelastomericmaterials.

In other embodiments, particularly those embodiments that require thepresence of the ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer, the composition mayoptionally comprise polyethylene homopolymer, polypropylene homopolymer,or a mixture thereof. In these embodiments, the total amount ofpolyethylene, polypropylene, or mixture thereof is 1 to about 30 weightpercent. Within this range, the amount may be specifically about 3 toabout 20 weight percent, more specifically about 5 to about 15 weightpercent. In some embodiments, the composition excludes polyethylenehomopolymers and polypropylene homopolymers.

The composition may, optionally, comprise mineral oil. The mineral oilcan be provided in the form of a melt-kneaded blend comprisinghydrogenated block copolymer, ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer, andmineral oil. When present, mineral oil may be used in an amount of about2 to about 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of thecomposition. Specifically, the mineral oil amount may be about 4 toabout 15 weight percent, more specifically about 7 to about 12 weightpercent.

In addition to the triaryl phosphate described above in the context ofplasticizers, the composition may, optionally, comprise one or moreadditional flame retardants. Suitable flame retardants include, forexample, magnesium hydroxide, melamine phosphate, melaminepyrophosphate, melamine polyphosphate, and combinations thereof. Asdemonstrated in the working examples below, excellent flame retardancyhas been demonstrated in compositions comprising (a) a triarylphosphate, (b) magnesium hydroxide, and (c) melamine pyrophosphate,melamine polyphosphate, or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, thecomposition comprises a flame retardant comprising magnesium hydroxideand melamine polyphosphate, and the composition exhibits a UL94 ratingof V-0 or V-1 at a thickness of 3.2 millimeters. For uses in whichhalogenated flame retardants can be tolerated, suitable flame retardantsfurther include halogenated polyolefin waxes, octabromodiphenyloxide,1,2-bis(tribromophenoxy)ethane, brominated epoxy oligomer, brominatedpolystyrene, chlorendic anhydride, poly(pentabromobenzyl acrylate),tetrabromobisphenol A, tetrabromobisphenol A bis(2,3-dibromopropylether), and the like.

The composition may, optionally, further comprise one or more otheradditives known in the thermoplastics arts. Useful additives include,for example, stabilizers, mold release agents, processing aids, dripretardants, nucleating agents, dyes, pigments, antioxidants, anti-staticagents, blowing agents, metal deactivators, antiblocking agents,nanoclays, fragrances (including fragrance-encapsulated polymers), andthe like, and combinations thereof. Additives can be added in amountsthat do not unacceptably detract from the desired appearance andphysical properties of the composition. Such amounts can be determinedby a skilled artisan without undue experimentation.

In some embodiments, the composition can exclude or be substantiallyfree of components other than those described above. For example, thecomposition can be substantially free of other polymeric materials, suchas homopolystyrenes (including syndiotactic polystyrenes), polyamides,polyesters, polycarbonates, and polypropylene-graft-polystyrenes. Inthis context, the term “substantially free” means that none of thespecified component is intentionally added.

As the composition is defined as comprising multiple components, it willbe understood that each component is chemically distinct, particularlyin the instance that a single chemical compound may satisfy thedefinition of more than one component.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises a dispersed phasecomprising the poly(arylene ether), and a continuous phase comprisingthe hydrogenated block copolymer. Those skilled in the thermoplasticarts can determine whether a particular composition comprises suchdispersed and continuous phases, for example by using electronmicroscopy and selective stains known in the art, including osmiumtetroxide and ruthenium tetroxide. In some embodiments, the compositioncomprises a dispersed phase having a particle size of about 0.2 to about20 micrometers.

One embodiment is a composition, comprising: about 18 to about 30 weightpercent of a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether); about 23 to about35 weight percent of a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrenetriblock copolymer; about 4 to about 10 weight percent of a polybutene;about 0.5 to about 3 weight percent of an ethylene-propylene rubber;about 3 to about 10 weight percent of mineral oil; about 8 to about 16weight percent of bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate); about 2 to about10 weight percent of magnesium hydroxide; about 4 to about 16 weightpercent of melamine polyphosphate; about 2 to about 6 weight percent oftitanium dioxide; about 0.1 to about 0.6 weight percent of acycloaliphatic epoxy resin; about 0.3 to about 1 weight percent of ahydroxyphenyl benzotriazole; and about 0.6 to about 1.5 weight percentof a bis(piperidinyl)sebacate; wherein the composition is substantiallyfree of rubber-modified polystyrene, polyethylene homopolymer, andpolypropylene homopolymer; wherein all weight percents are based on thetotal weight of the composition; and wherein the composition exhibits aCIE lightness value, L*, value of about 80 to about 90, a CIE a* valueof about −1.5 to about 0.5, a CIE b* value of about −2.5 to about 1.5, aCIELAB color shift, ΔE, of about 0.1 to about 2, measured according toASTM D2244 after 300 hours exposure to xenon arc exposure according toASTM D4459, and a flexural modulus of about 50 to about 100 megapascals,measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790. In some embodiments, thecomposition exhibits an L* value up to about 88. In some embodiments,the composition exhibits a color shift, ΔE, of about 0.1 to about 2,measured according to ASTM D2244 after 500 hours exposure to xenon arcexposure according to ASTM D4459. In some embodiments, the compositionexhibits a color shift, ΔE, of about 0.1 to about 2, measured accordingto ASTM D2244 after 1,000 hours exposure to xenon arc exposure accordingto ASTM D4459.

One embodiment is a composition, comprising: about 25 to about 45 weightpercent of a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether); about 20 to about35 weight percent of a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrenetriblock copolymer; about 10 to about 30 weight percent of a linear lowdensity polyethylene; about 2 to about 10 weight percent of apolybutene; about 8 to about 25 weight percent of bisphenol Abis(diphenyl phosphate), resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate), or amixture thereof; about 4 to about 10 weight percent of magnesiumhydroxide; about 4 to about 11 weight percent of melamine polyphosphate;about 2 to about 6 weight percent of titanium dioxide; about 0.1 toabout 0.6 weight percent of a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin; about 0.3 toabout 0.7 weight percent of a hydroxyphenyl benzotriazole; and about 0.6to about 1.5 weight percent of a bis(piperidinyl) sebacate; wherein allweight percents are based on the total weight of the composition; andwherein the composition exhibits a CIE lightness value, L*, value ofabout 80 to about 90, a CIE a* value of about −1.5 to about 0.5, a CIEb* value of about −2.5 to about 1.5, a CIELAB color shift, ΔE, of about0.1 to about 2, measured according to ASTM D2244 after 300 hoursexposure to xenon arc exposure according to ASTM D4459, and a flexuralmodulus of about 50 to about 100 megapascals, measured at 23° C.according to ASTM D790.

The composition is light-colored in appearance. Specifically, thecomposition exhibits a CIE lightness value, L*, value of at least 70measured according to ASTM D2244-05. In some embodiments, the lightnessvalue, L*, may be at least 80. In some embodiments, the lightness value,L*, may be 70 to about 95, specifically about 75 to about 90, morespecifically about 80 to about 90, still more specifically about 85 toabout 88.

The composition is very stable to ultraviolet light. Specifically, thecomposition exhibits a CIE color shift, ΔE, less than or equal to 3measured according to ASTM D2244-05 after 300 hours exposure to xenonarc exposure according to ASTM D4459-06. In some embodiments, the colorshift, ΔE, is less than or equal to 3 after 500 or 1000 hours exposureto xenon arc. In some embodiments, the color shift, ΔE, is less than orequal to 2 or less than or equal to 1 after 300 or 500 or 1000 hoursexposure to xenon arc.

The composition is flexible. One objective correlate of the subject term“flexibility” is flexural modulus. Thus, in some embodiments thecomposition exhibits a flexural modulus less than or equal to 300megapascals, measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790-03. In someembodiments, the flexural modulus is about 20 to about 300 megapascals,specifically about 20 to about 200 megapascals, more specifically about35 to about 150 megapascals, even more specifically about 50 to about100 megapascals. Values of flexural modulus may be measured according toASTM D 790-03, Method A, on samples having dimensions 1.27 centimeters(0.5 inch) by 12.7 centimeters (5 inches) by 3.175 millimeters (0.125inch), using a support span length of 5.08 centimeters (2 inches) and arate of crosshead motion of 1.27 millimeters/minute (0.05 inch/minute).Another objective correlate of flexibility is tensile elongation. Thus,in some embodiments the composition exhibits a tensile elongation atbreak greater than or equal to 100 percent. In some embodiments, thetensile elongation is specifically about 100 to about 300 percent, morespecifically about 150 to about 300 percent, even more specificallyabout 200 to about 300 percent, still more specifically about 250 toabout 290 percent. Tensile elongation at break may be measured at 23° C.according to ASTM D 638-03 using Type I bars having a thickness of 3.2millimeters, five bars per composition, and a testing speed of 5.08centimeters/minute (2 inches/minute).

The invention includes methods of preparing the above-describedcompositions. Thus, one embodiment is a method of preparing athermoplastic composition, comprising: melt kneading about 10 to about45 weight percent of a poly(arylene ether), about 9 to about 80 weightpercent of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromaticcompound and a conjugated diene, about 8 to about 25 weight percent of aplasticizer, about 1 to about 12 weight percent of a white pigment, andabout 0.1 to about 5 weight percent of an ultraviolet radiationstabilizer; wherein the hydrogenated block copolymer and thepoly(arylene ether) are present in a weight ratio of about 0.3 to about4; wherein the composition comprises less than or equal to 20 weightpercent of rubber-modified polystyrene; wherein the composition issubstantially free of polyethylene homopolymer, and polypropylenehomopolymer; wherein all weight percents are based on the total weightof the composition; and wherein the composition exhibits a CIE lightnessvalue, L*, value of at least 70 measured according to ASTM D2244, and aCIE color shift, ΔE, less than or equal to 3 measured according to ASTMD2244 after 300 hours exposure to xenon arc exposure according to ASTMD4459.

Another embodiment is a method of preparing a thermoplastic composition,comprising: melt kneading about 18 to about 30 weight percent of apoly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether), about 23 to about 35 weightpercent of a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblockcopolymer, about 4 to about 10 weight percent of a polybutene, about 0.5to about 3 weight percent of an ethylene-propylene rubber, about 3 toabout 10 weight percent of mineral oil, about 8 to about 16 weightpercent of bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate), about 2 to about 10weight percent of magnesium hydroxide, about 4 to about 16 weightpercent of melamine polyphosphate, about 2 to about 6 weight percent oftitanium dioxide, about 0.1 to about 0.6 weight percent of acycloaliphatic epoxy resin, about 0.3 to about 1 weight percent of ahydroxyphenyl benzotriazole, and about 0.6 to about 1.5 weight percentof a bis(piperidinyl)sebacate; wherein the composition is substantiallyfree of rubber-modified polystyrene, polyethylene homopolymer, andpolypropylene homopolymer; wherein all weight percents are based on thetotal weight of the composition; and wherein the composition exhibits aCIE lightness value, L*, value of about 80 to about 90, a CIE a* valueof about −1.5 to about 0.5, a CIE b* value of about −2.5 to about 1.5, aCIELAB color shift, ΔE, of about 0.1 to about 2, measured according toASTM D2244 after 300 hours exposure to xenon arc exposure according toASTM D4459, and a flexural modulus of about 50 to about 100 megapascals,measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.

Another embodiment is a method of preparing a thermoplastic composition,comprising: melt kneading about 10 to about 45 weight percent of apoly(arylene ether), about 5 to about 40 weight percent of ahydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and aconjugated diene, about 10 to about 55 weight percent of a copolymer ofethylene and a C₃-C₁₂ alpha-olefin, about 8 to about 25 weight percentof a plasticizer, about 1 to about 12 weight percent of a white pigment,and about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent of an ultraviolet radiationstabilizer; wherein the composition comprises less than or equal to 20weight percent of rubber-modified polystyrene; wherein all weightpercents are based on the total weight of the composition; and whereinthe composition exhibits a CIE lightness value, L*, value of at least 70measured according to ASTM D2244, and a CIE color shift, ΔE, less thanor equal to 3 measured according to ASTM D2244 after 300 hours exposureto xenon arc exposure according to ASTM D4459.

Another embodiment is a method of preparing a thermoplastic composition,comprising: melt kneading about 25 to about 45 weight percent of apoly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether), about 20 to about 35 weightpercent of a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblockcopolymer, about 10 to about 30 weight percent of a linear low densitypolyethylene, about 2 to about 10 weight percent of a polybutene, about8 to about 25 weight percent of bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate) orresorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate) or a mixture thereof, about 4 toabout 10 weight percent of magnesium hydroxide, about 4 to about 11weight percent of melamine polyphosphate, about 2 to about 6 weightpercent of titanium dioxide, about 0.1 to about 0.6 weight percent of acycloaliphatic epoxy resin, about 0.3 to about 0.7 weight percent of ahydroxyphenyl benzotriazole, and about 0.6 to about 1.5 weight percentof a bis(piperidinyl)sebacate; wherein all weight percents are based onthe total weight of the composition; and wherein the compositionexhibits a CIE lightness value, L*, value of about 80 to about 90, a CIEa* value of about −1.5 to about 0.5, a CIE b* value of about −2.5 toabout 1.5, a CIELAB color shift, ΔE, of about 0.1 to about 2, measuredaccording to ASTM D2244 after 300 hours exposure to xenon arc exposureaccording to ASTM D4459, and a flexural modulus of about 50 to about 100megapascals, measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.

The melt temperature of the composition during melt kneading should behigh enough to facilitate mixing, but low enough to avoid yellowing ofthe composition. In some embodiments, the melt temperature should beless than or equal to 300° C., specifically less than or equal to 270°C. The extruded material produced by melt kneading may, optionally, becooled in a water bath prior to pelletizing using known apparatus suchas a conventional pelletizer, a die-face pelletizer, or an under-waterpelletizer. In some embodiments, melt kneading is conducted in anextruder, and the plasticizer is added to the extruder separately fromthe other components. In other embodiments, the plasticizer ispre-blended with the poly(arylene ether), and the hydrogenated blockcopolymer is added to the extruder at a point downstream of addition ofthe poly(arylene ether)/plasticizer pre-blend. In some embodiments, thepoly(arylene ether), the plasticizer, and the ultraviolet radiationstabilizer are pre blended with each other before the resultingpre-blend is melt kneaded with other components. In some embodiments,the pre-blending of poly(arylene ether)/plasticizer or pre-blending ofpoly(arylene ether), the plasticizer, and the ultraviolet radiationstabilizer is conducted at room temperature. In some embodiments, thepre-blending of poly(arylene ether)/plasticizer or pre-blending ofpoly(arylene ether), the plasticizer, and the ultraviolet radiationstabilizer is conducted at temperature of from room temperature to aboutglass transition temperature of poly(arylene ether).

The invention includes articles, especially cable insulation, comprisingany of the above-described compositions.

The invention includes methods of insulating an electrical wire with anyof the above-described compositions. As used herein an electrical wireis a wire comprising a conductor capable of transmitting a detectableelectric signal. Thus, one embodiment is a method of insulating anelectrical wire, comprising: extrusion coating an electrical wire with acomposition comprising about 10 to about 45 weight percent of apoly(arylene ether), about 9 to about 80 weight percent of ahydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and aconjugated diene, about 8 to about 25 weight percent of a plasticizer,about 1 to about 12 weight percent of a white pigment, and about 0.1 toabout 5 weight percent of an ultraviolet radiation stabilizer; whereinthe hydrogenated block copolymer and the poly(arylene ether) are presentin a weight ratio of about 0.3 to about 4; wherein the compositioncomprises less than or equal to 20 weight percent of rubber-modifiedpolystyrene; wherein the composition is substantially free ofpolyethylene homopolymer and polypropylene homopolymer; wherein allweight percents are based on the total weight of the composition; andwherein the composition exhibits a CIE lightness value, L*, value of atleast 70 measured according to ASTM D2244, and a CIELAB color shift, ΔE,less than or equal to 3 measured according to ASTM D2244 after 300 hoursexposure to xenon arc exposure according to ASTM D4459.

Another embodiment is a method of insulating an electrical wire,comprising: extrusion coating an electrical wire with a compositioncomprising about 18 to about 26 weight percent of apoly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether), about 23 to about 35 weightpercent of a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblockcopolymer, about 4 to about 10 weight percent of a polybutene, about 1to about 3 weight percent of an ethylene-propylene rubber, about 6 toabout 10 weight percent of mineral oil, about 13 to about 16 weightpercent of bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate), about 2 to about 10weight percent of magnesium hydroxide, about 4 to about 11 weightpercent of melamine polyphosphate, about 2 to about 6 weight percent oftitanium dioxide, about 0.1 to about 0.6 weight percent of acycloaliphatic epoxy resin, about 0.3 to about 1 weight percent of ahydroxyphenyl benzotriazole, and about 0.6 to about 1.5 weight percentof a bis(piperidinyl) sebacate; wherein the composition is substantiallyfree of rubber-modified polystyrene, polyethylene homopolymer, andpolypropylene homopolymer; wherein all weight percents are based on thetotal weight of the composition; and wherein the composition exhibits aCIE lightness value, L*, value of about 80 to about 90, a CIE a* valueof about −1.5 to about 0.5, a CIE b* value of about −2.5 to about 1.5, aCIELAB color shift, ΔE, of about 0.1 to about 2, measured according toASTM D2244 after 300 hours exposure to xenon arc exposure according toASTM D4459, and a flexural modulus of about 50 to about 100 megapascals,measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.

Another embodiment is a method of insulating an electrical wire,comprising: extrusion coating an electrical wire with a compositioncomprising about 10 to about 45 weight percent of a poly(arylene ether),about 5 to about 40 weight percent of a hydrogenated block copolymer ofan alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene, about 10 to about55 weight percent of a copolymer of ethylene and a C₃-C₁₂ alpha-olefin,about 8 to about 25 weight percent of a plasticizer, about 1 to about 12weight percent of a white pigment, and about 0.1 to about 5 weightpercent of an ultraviolet radiation stabilizer; wherein the compositioncomprises less than or equal to 20 weight percent of rubber-modifiedpolystyrene; wherein all weight percents are based on the total weightof the composition; and wherein the composition exhibits a CIE lightnessvalue, L*, value of at least 70 measured according to ASTM D2244, and aCIE color shift, ΔE, less than or equal to 3 measured according to ASTMD2244 after 300 hours exposure to xenon arc exposure according to ASTMD4459.

Another embodiment is a method of insulating an electrical wire,comprising: extrusion coating an electrical wire with a compositioncomprising about 25 to about 45 weight percent of apoly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether), about 20 to about 35 weightpercent of a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblockcopolymer, about 10 to about 30 weight percent of a linear low densitypolyethylene, about 2 to about 10 weight percent of a polybutene, about8 to about 25 weight percent of bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate) orresorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate) or a mixture thereof, about 4 toabout 10 weight percent of magnesium hydroxide, about 4 to about 11weight percent of melamine polyphosphate, about 2 to about 6 weightpercent of titanium dioxide, about 0.1 to about 0.6 weight percent of acycloaliphatic epoxy resin, about 0.3 to about 0.7 weight percent of ahydroxyphenyl benzotriazole, and about 0.6 to about 1.5 weight percentof a bis(piperidinyl)sebacate; wherein all weight percents are based onthe total weight of the composition; and wherein the compositionexhibits a CIE lightness value, L*, value of about 80 to about 90, a CIEa* value of about −1.5 to about 0.5, a CIE b* value of about −2.5 toabout 1.5, a CIELAB color shift, ΔE, of about 0.1 to about 2, measuredaccording to ASTM D2244 after 300 hours exposure to xenon arc exposureaccording to ASTM D4459, and a flexural modulus of about 50 to about 100megapascals, measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.

The invention is further illustrated by the following non-limitingexamples.

EXAMPLES 1-11, COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 1

The following examples illustrate the excellent color stabilitydisplayed by blends comprising a poly(arylene ether), a hydrogenatedblock copolymer, a triaryl phosphate, a white pigment, and a ultravioletradiation stabilizer.

Table 1 lists the components in the base composition that was used toprepare Examples 112. The base composition includes all the componentsexcept the UV stabilizers. All component amounts are expressed in partsby weight. The poly(arylene ether) was a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenyleneether), CAS Reg. No. 24938-67-8, having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.46deciliters per gram, measured in chloroform at 25° C., and obtained asPPO 646 from GE Plastics (“0.46 IV PPE” in Table 1). The triarylphosphate was bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate), CAS Reg. No.5945-33-5, obtained from Great Lakes Chemical Corporation (“BPADP” inTable 1). The hydrogenated block copolymer was a linear triblockpolystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene copolymer, CAS Reg. No.66070-58-4, having a polystyrene content of 39% and a number averagemolecular weight of about 160,000 atomic mass units, obtained fromKraton Polymers LLC as Kraton RP6936 (“SEBS-K6936” in Table 1). Alsocontributing to the total hydrogenated block copolymer was amelt-kneaded blend comprising about 40 weight percentpolystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene, about 10 weight percentethylene-propylene rubber, and about 50 weight percent mineral oil,obtained as TPE-SB2400 from Sumitomo Chemical (“SEBS/EPR/MO” in Table1). A liquid polybutene, specifically an isobutene-butene copolymer,having a number average molecular weight of about 800 AMU, was obtainedas Indopol H50 from Innovene (“Polybutene” in Table 1). Melaminepolyphosphate, CAS Reg. No. 218768-84-4, obtained from Ciba SpecialtyChemicals as Melapur 200/70 (“Melamine polyphosphate” in. Table 1).Magnesium hydroxide, CAS Reg. No. 1309-32-8, was obtained from KyowaChemical Industry Co. as Kisuma 5A (“Mg(OH)₂” in Table 1). Erucamide,CAS Reg. No. 112-84-5, was obtained from Crompton Corporation asKemamide E Ultra (“Erucamide” in Table 1). A hindered phenolicantioxidant,1,2-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamoyl)hydrazine, CAS Reg.No. 32687-78-8, was obtained as Irganox MD 1024 from Ciba SpecialtyChemicals (“Phen. AO-1024” in Table 1). A hindered phenolic antioxidant,octadecyl 3-(3′,5′-di-tert-butyl-4′-hydroxyphenyl)propionate, CAS Reg.No. 2082-79-3, was obtained from Ciba Specialty Chemicals as Irganox1076 (“Phen. AO-1076” in Table 1). Zinc sulfide, CAS Reg. No. 1314-98-3,was obtained from Sachtleben as Sachtolith HD (“ZnS” in Table 1). InTable 1, “MgO” refers to magnesium oxide, CAS Reg. No. 1309-48-4. Apolyethylene-encapsulated fragrance was obtained from InternationalFlavors and Fragrances as IFI-7191 PBD (“Fragrance” in Table 1).Titanium dioxide having an average particle size of 0.2 micrometers wasobtained from DuPont as Ti-Pure R103-15 (“TiO₂” in Table 1). Carbonblack having an iodine absorption of 231 grams per kilogram determinedaccording to ASTM D1510-02a was obtained from Cabot as Monarch 800(“Carbon” in Table 1). Pigment green 36 was obtained from BASF(“Green36” in Table 1). Ultramarine blue was obtained from HollidayPigments (“UM blue” in Table 1). The yellow colorant Pigment brown 24was obtained from BASF (“Yellow” in Table 1). The cycloaliphatic epoxycompound 3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl 3′,4′-epoxycyclohexylcarboxylate, CASReg. No. 2386-87-0, was obtained as ERL-4221 from Dow (“Epoxy” in Table1). The benzotriazole UV stabilizer2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-tert-octylphenyl)-benzotriazole, CAS Reg. No.3147-75-9, was obtained as Cyasorb UV 5411 from Cytec (“BTZ-1” in Table1). The hindered amine light stabilizerbis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)sebacate, CAS Reg. No. 52829-07-9,was obtained as Tinuvin 770 from Ciba Specialty Chemicals (“HALS” inTable 1).

Each composition was prepared as follows. All components were dryblended for 1 minute in a high speed Henschel mixer prior to extrusion.The resulting dry blend was added to the feed throat of the extruder,extruded at about 250-285° C. and cut into pellets. The extrusiontemperature is preferably about 265-275° C. When the melt temperature isgreater than 285 C, the color of extruding pellets may be changed. Theextruder was a Werner and Pfleiderer 30-millimeter co-rotating 10-barreltwin-screw extruder with a length of 960 millimeters and a 32:1length-to-diameter ratio. The water bath has a length of about 2 meters.The water bath temperature is controlled to less than or equal to 15° C.The pelletizer is a Conair Jetro, made by Jetro Division. For some muchsofter UV stable materials, the water bath temperature is controlledbelow 10° C. and the pelletizer is a customized sidecut rubber choppermade by Lab Tech Eng. Corp Ltd. Use of this pelletizer makes the sizesof pellets more uniform. Plastic color chips of 5.08 centimeters×7.62centimeters×0.254 centimeter (2 inches×3 inches×0.100 inch) dimensionswere molded from the pellets at 215-240° C., with a molding pressure ofapproximately 5.5 megapascals (800 pounds per square inch) and a tooltemperature of 77° C.

The UV stability of the compositions was tested according to ASTMD4459-99, “Standard Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics Intendedfor Indoor Applications”. Specifically, the procedure used an exposuredevice obtained from Atlas as Ci4000, having a 3500 watt lamp, a radiantexposure of 0.3 watts per square-meter (W/m²), and the ability tocontrol the temperature at 55° C. and 55 percent relative humidity.

Color differences were measured according to ASTM D2244-05, “StandardPractice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences fromInstrumentally Measured Color Coordinates”. Color difference (ΔE) valueswere calculated according to the CIELAB color difference formula asfollows:ΔE=[(ΔL*)²+(Δa*)²+(Δb*)²]^(1/2)wherein

ΔL*=L₁*−L₂*

Δa*=a₁*−a₂*

Δb*=b₁*−b₂*

and wherein L₁*, a₁*, and b₁* are the lightness, red-green coordinate,and yellow-blue coordinate, respectively, prior to the exposure to thetest, and L₂*, a₂*, and b₂* are lightness, red-green coordinate, andyellow-blue coordinate, respectively, after exposure to the test.

Tensile elongation at break was measured at 23° C. according to ASTMD638-03 at a temperature of 23° C. and a pull rate of 50 millimeters perminute using Type I bars having a thickness of 3.2 millimeters moldedusing a barrel temperature of 210-235° C. and a mold temperature of40-70° C. The tensile bars were conditioned at 23° C. and 50% relativehumidity for 48 hours prior to testing. Reported values represent theaverage of three samples per composition.

Table 1 lists tensile elongation values as well as ΔE values as afunction of exposure time for Examples 1-12, which consists of the basecomposition of Table 1, with the specified amounts (in parts by weight)of the three UV stabilizer compounds. The composition rows labeled“PPE/SEBS”, “BPADP/PPE”, and “(BTZ+HALS)/PPE” represent weight/weightratios of the respective components (and “SEBS” in “PPE/SEBS” includesSEBS from both “SEBS-K6936” and “SEBS/EPR/MO”).

TABLE 1 C. Ex. 1 Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 Compositions 0.46 IV PPE22.62 22.62 22.62 22.62 22.62 22.62 BPADP 15.74 15.74 15.74 15.74 15.7415.74 SEBS-K6936 23.61 23.61 23.61 23.61 23.61 23.61 SEBS/EPR/MO 18.6918.69 18.69 18.69 18.69 18.69 Polybutene 8.85 8.85 8.85 8.85 8.85 8.85Melamine 4.92 4.92 4.92 4.92 4.92 4.92 Polyphosphate Mg(OH)₂ 3.93 3.933.93 3.93 3.93 3.93 Erucamide 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 Phen.AO-1024 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 Phen. AO-1076 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.960.96 0.96 ZnS 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 MgO 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.150.15 Fragrance 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 TiO₂ 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.603.60 3.60 Carbon 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 Green36 0.000020.00002 0.00002 0.00002 0.00002 0.00002 UM blue 0.026 0.026 0.026 0.0260.026 0.026 Yellow 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 Epoxy 01.00 1.00 1.00 2.00 2.00 BTZ-1 0 3.00 1.00 3.00 5.00 2.00 HALS 0 1.003.00 3.00 2.00 5.00 PPE/SEBS 0.73 0.73 0.73 0.73 0.73 0.73 BPADP/PPE0.69 0.69 0.69 0.69 0.69 0.69 (BTZ + HALS)/PPE 0 0.18 0.18 0.23 0.310.31 Properties ΔE at 100 h 0.50 1.12 1.10 1.21 1.19 0.97 ΔE at 200 h0.41 1.01 0.87 1.06 1.09 0.85 ΔE at 300 h 0.99 0.99 0.78 1.07 1.10 0.77ΔE at 400 h 3.13 0.64 0.40 0.65 0.74 0.60 ΔE at 500 h 3.3.0 0.53 0.470.65 0.71 0.75 ΔE at 600 h 3.77 0.47 0.58 0.62 0.67 0.85 ΔE at 700 h5.03 0.38 0.74 0.63 0.60 1.03 ΔE at 800 h 5.44 0.46 0.78 0.66 0.65 1.01ΔE at 900 h 6.88 0.42 1.00 0.74 0.63 1.18 ΔE at 1000 h 7.7 0.51 1.180.82 0.64 1.31 Tensile elongation 206 199 289 292 239 222 at break (%)Ex. 6 Ex. 7 Ex. 8 Ex. 9 Ex. 10 Ex. 11 Compositions 0.46 IV PPE 22.6222.62 22.62 22.62 22.62 22.62 BPADP 15.74 15.74 15.74 15.74 15.74 15.74SEBS-K6936 23.61 23.61 23.61 23.61 23.61 23.61 SEBS/EPR/MO 18.69 18.6918.69 18.69 18.69 18.69 Polybutene 8.85 8.85 8.85 8.85 8.85 8.85Melamine 4.92 4.92 4.92 4.92 4.92 4.92 Polyphosphate Mg(OH)₂ 3.93 3.933.93 3.93 3.93 3.93 Erucamide 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 Phen.AO-1024 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 Phen. AO-1076 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.960.96 0.96 ZnS 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 MgO 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.150.15 Fragrance 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 TiO₂ 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.603.60 3.60 Carbon 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 Green36 0.000020.00002 0.00002 0.00002 0.00002 0.00002 UM blue 0.026 0.026 0.026 0.0260.026 0.026 Yellow 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 Epoxy 2.000.33 0.33 0.20 0.50 0.20 BTZ-1 5.00 0.50 1.25 0.50 1.25 3.00 HALS 5.001.00 1.00 0.50 0.50 0.50 PPE/SEBS 0.73 0.73 0.73 0.73 0.73 0.73BPADP/PPE 0.69 0.69 0.69 0.69 0.69 0.69 (BTZ + HALS)/ 0.53 0.066 0.100.044 0.077 0.15 PPE Properties ΔE at 100 h 0.84 1.46 1.51 1.54 1.661.44 ΔE at 200 h 0.75 1.14 1.31 1.33 1.50 0.90 ΔE at 300 h 0.80 0.841.13 1.23 1.39 0.72 ΔE at 400 h 0.98 0.14 0.61 0.45 0.98 0.38 ΔE at 500h 1.23 0.16 0.56 0.56 1.00 0.13 ΔE at 600 h 1.39 0.14 0.39 0.45 0.900.20 ΔE at 700 h 1.59 0.42 0.14 0.22 0.73 0.49 ΔE at 800 h 1.57 0.400.16 0.25 0.76 0.39 ΔE at 900 h 1.73 0.64 0.09 0.10 0.60 0.69 ΔE at 1000h 1.93 0.75 0.19 0.16 0.48 0.78 Tensile elongation 282 — — — — — atbreak (%)

It can be seen from the ΔE values in Table 1 that the blends comprisinga poly(arylene ether), a hydrogenated block copolymer, a triarylphosphate, a white pigment, and an ultraviolet radiation stabilizer haveexcellent color stability as exemplified by their low ΔE values afterxenon-arc exposure. Examples 1-11 comprise different UV stabilizers, andall have ΔE values less than 2 after 100, 200, and 300 hours. Theseexamples maintain excellent color stability after 1000 hours ofexposure, with ΔE values less than 3, and in some cases less than one,such as for Examples 1, 3, 4, and 7-11.

Comparative Example 1, which does not contain any of the UV stabilizers,also exhibits a ΔE value less than 2 after 100, 200, and 300 hours ofexposure, but its color stability degrades substantially between 300 and1000 hours of exposure.

The data in Table 1 also show that low color shift is achieved with awide range of types and amounts of UV stabilizers. For example, thetotal of all UV stabilizing additives was about 1.2 weight percent forExample 9, which exhibited a ΔE of 0.16 after 1000 hours of exposure,whereas it was about 12.0 weight percent for Example 6, which exhibiteda ΔE of 1.93 after 1000 hours of exposure. The robustness of the UVstability to variations in UV stabilizer amount shows that it ispossible to use relatively small amounts of UV stabilizers and thereforeminimize any adverse impact of UV stabilizers on mechanical properties,flame retardancy, and physical separation of the composition over time.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES 2-13

The following comparative examples demonstrate that blends withhigh-impact polystyrene (HIPS; a rubber-modified polystyrene) instead ofhydrogenated block copolymer exhibit color stability markedly inferiorto that demonstrated for Examples 1-11 above.

Sample compositions are listed in Table 2. The poly(arylene ether) was apoly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of0.31 dL/g, measured in chloroform at 25° C., obtained as PPO 630 from GEPlastics (“0.31 IV PPE” in Table 2). A high impact polystyrenecomprising 10.3 weight percent polybutadiene rubber was obtained from GEHuntsman as NORYL HIPS 3190 (“HIPS” in Table 2). A linear low densitypolyethylene having a melt flow index of about 20 grams per 10 minutesmeasured at 190° C. and 2.16 kilograms force was obtained from NovaChemicals as Novapol GM-2024-A (“LLDPE-1” in Table 2). Tridecylphosphate was obtained from Dover Chemical (“TDP” in Table 2). Apolytetrafluoroethylene encapsulated in styrene-acrylonitrile copolymeris designated “TSAN” in Table 2. Iron oxide having less than 0.10 weightpercent retained by a 325 mesh sieve was obtained from Bayer asBayferrox 180 MPL (“Iron oxide” in Table 2). Benzoin was obtained fromAceto Chemical (“Benzoin” in Table 2). Resorcinol bis(diphenylphosphate), CAS Reg. No. 57583-54-7, was obtained from Akzo Nobel asFyrolflex RDP (“RDP” in Table 2). Other components are as describedabove. All component amounts in Table 2 are expressed in parts byweight.

Tensile strength at break and tensile elongation at break were measuredaccording to ASTM D638-03 using the conditions described above.

Table 2 also shows ΔE values after 100-300 hours xenon arc exposure.Note that the ΔE values after 300 hours exposure range from 11.2 to 30.7for all samples—much greater than the values for Examples 1-11 above,which were all less than 1.5.

TABLE 2 C. Ex. C. Ex. C. Ex. C. Ex. C. Ex. 2 C. Ex. 3 C. Ex. 4 C. Ex. 5C. Ex. 6 C. Ex. 7 C. Ex. 8 C. Ex. 9 10 11 12 13 Compositions 0.31 IV PPE31.3 31.3 31.3 31.3 31.3 31.3 31.3 31.3 31.3 31.3 31.3 31.3 HIPS 35.435.4 35.4 35.4 35.4 35.4 35.4 35.4 35.4 35.4 35.4 35.4 LLDPE-1 1.5 1.51.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 TDP 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.50.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 HALS 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0BTZ-1 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 ZnO 0.1 0.1 0.10.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 ZnS 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.10.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 TSAN 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2Carbon 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Iron oxide 1.01.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 UM blue 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.70.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 TiO₂ 11.7 11.7 11.7 11.7 11.7 11.7 11.7 11.711.7 11.7 5.8 5.8 Benzoin 0.5 0.5 0 0.5 0 0 0 0 0 0.5 0.5 0.5 Epoxy 1.00 1.0 0 1.0 0 0 0 1.0 0 1.0 0 RDP 19.0 19.0 19.0 19.0 19.0 19.0 19.019.0 19.0 19.0 19.0 19.0 Properties ΔE at 100 h 0.7 0.7 0.7 1.5 0.7 1.30.9 1.0 2.0 1.7 1.5 2.5 ΔE at 200 h 2.1 3.0 2.4 5.1 2.2 4.4 2.9 2.9 0.81.1 2.1 1.1 ΔE at 300 h 14.5 11.2 33.5 30.7 29.8 29.4 29.6 30.6 25.926.8 28.9 27.9 Tensile Strength at 44.9 44.1 44.5 42.3 45.6 44.1 43.8 —43.7 43.3 — 45.4 break (MPa) Tensile Elongation at 23 26 28 22 24 26 24— 31 28 — 24 break (%)

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES 14-20

The following comparative examples further illustrate that blends withhigh-impact polystyrene (HIPS) exhibit color stability markedly inferiorcompared to blends with hydrogenated block copolymer.

Table 3 lists the compositions of Comparative Examples 14-20, along withtheir ΔE values after 300 hours. The quinophthalone dye4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-2-[2-(4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-2,3-dihydro-1,3-dioxo-1H-inden-2-yl)-8-quinolinyl]-H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione(CAS Reg. No. 30125-47-4; Pigment Yellow 138) was obtained as PaliotolYellow K 0961 HD from BASF (“CC Dye” in Table 3). The benzotriazole UVstabilizer 2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-cumyl)benzotriazole was obtained asTinuvin 324 from Ciba Specialty Chemicals (“BTZ-2” in Table 3). “TotalUV stabilizer” is the sum of the amounts of BTZ-1, BTZ-2, HALS 770, andEpoxy.

Table 3 also lists various CIE color properties of the samples. Initialvalues of L*, a*, and b* were determined on color chips as-moldedaccording to ASTM D2244-05, “Standard Practice for Calculation of ColorTolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured ColorCoordinates”. Changes in b* and ΔE after 300 hours of xenon arc exposurewere determined according to the same standard.

TABLE 3 C. Ex. C. Ex. C. Ex. C. Ex. C. Ex. 14 15 16 17 18 C. Ex. 19 C.Ex. 20 Compositions 0.31 IV PPE 28.40 26.50 26.90 27.40 29.40 28.9026.90 HIPS 41.10 38.30 39.00 39.70 42.70 41.90 39.00 BPADP 17.20 16.1016.30 16.60 17.90 17.50 16.34 LLDPE-1 1.40 1.30 1.30 1.30 1.40 1.40 1.29Benzoin 0.50 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.50 0.50 0.43 CC Dye 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.04 TDP0.50 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.50 0.50 0.43 ZnO 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.100.09 ZnS 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.09 TSAN 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.200.20 0.20 0.15 Carbon 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 Iron oxide 0.890.83 0.84 0.86 0.92 0.91 0.84 UM blue 0.66 0.61 0.62 0.63 0.68 0.67 0.62BTZ-2 2.70 0 2.60 0 0.90 0 0.86 HALS 770 0.90 0.80 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.900.86 TiO₂ 3.60 10.10 10.30 10.50 3.80 3.70 10.31 BTZ-1 0 2.50 0 0.90 02.80 0 Epoxy 1.80 1.70 0 0 0 0 1.72 Total UV 5.4 5.1 3.4 1.7 1.9 3.7 3.4stabilizer PPE/HIPS 0.69 0.69 0.69 0.64 0.69 0.69 0.69 Propertiesinitial L* 56.49 68.03 68.4 68.3 57.0 58.1 67.6 initial a* 4.44 3.31 3.33.3 4.4 4.3 3.3 initial b* −4.18 −3.81 −3.8 −3.8 −4.2 −4.2 −4.0 Δb* at300 h 2.9 3.7 6.4 7.7 7.3 4.1 6.3 ΔE at 300 h 3.0 3.8 6.6 8.0 7.6 4.26.5 Tensile 35.8 38.4 47.0 43.4 41.1 39.2 39.0 strength at break (MPa)Tensile 11 4 3 6 9 6 7 Elongation at break (%)

It can be seen that Comparative Examples 14-20, in which thepoly(arylene ether) is blended with a rubber-modified polystyrene ratherthan a hydrogenated block copolymer, have very poor color stability.Specifically, these samples exhibit ΔE values ranging from 3.0 to 33.5after 300 hours of exposure to ASTM D4459. In contrast, Examples 1-11above, with hydrogenated block copolymer rather than rubber-modifiedpolystyrene, exhibited ΔE values ranging from 0.72 to 1.39 after 300hours. For Comparative Examples 14-20, the similarity of Δb* and ΔEvalues after 300 hours xenon arc exposure indicates that yellowing ofthe sample is the major component of the total color shift.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 21

This example illustrates that color stability begins to suffer when thetriaryl phosphate concentration is less than 8 weight percent.

Compositions are detailed in Table 4.

The composition and ΔE values as a function of xenon arc exposure timeare presented in Table 4. For this sample, the magnesium hydroxide wasobtained as Magshield UF from Martin Marietta Magnesia Specialties.Melamine pyrophosphate was obtained as Budit 311 MPP from BudenheimIberica Comercial S.A. (“Melamine pyrophosphate” in Table 4). Othercomponents are as described above.

The data show that the ΔE value rises to 5.81 after 300 hours of xenonarc exposure.

TABLE 4 C. Ex. 21 Composition 0.46 IV PPE 22.01 SEBS-K6936 22.97 BPADP7.19 SEBS/EPR/MO 17.68 Polybutene 8.67 Melamine polyphosphate 4.90Mg(OH)₂ 3.95 Erucamide 0.19 Phen. AO-1024 0.10 ZnS 0.14 MgO 0.15Melamine pyrophosphate 9.00 Phen. AO-1076 0.96 Fragrance 0.20 Epoxy 0.33BTZ-1 0.50 HALS 1.00 TiO₂ 3.60 Carbon 0.002 Green36 0.00002 UM blue0.026 Yellow 0.0002 BPADP 7.19 PPE/SEBS 0.73 ΔE after xenon arc exposure100 h 1.12 200 h 3.90 300 h 5.81 400 h 4.79 500 h 4.79 600 h 4.97

EXAMPLES 12-17

These examples illustrate the effect of poly(arylene ether)concentration on the flexibility and UV stability of the composition.

Compositions are detailed in Table 5.

Shore A hardness was measured at 25° C. according to ASTM D 2240-05using a Rex Model DD-3-A digital durometer with OS-2H operating stand.

Flexural modulus values, expressed in megapascals (MPa), were measuredat 23° C. according to ASTM D 790-03, Method A, on samples havingdimensions 1.27 centimeters (0.5 inch) by 12.7 centimeters (5 inches) by3.175 millimeters (0.125 inch). The support span length was 5.08centimeters (2 inches). The rate of crosshead motion was 1.27millimeters/minute (0.05 inch/minute).

The property values in Table 5 for Examples 13-16, which vary inPPE/SEBS ratio but are otherwise essentially identical, show thattensile strength, tensile elongation, flexural modulus, and flameretardancy vary monotonically as the weight ratio of poly(arylene ether)to hydrogenated block copolymer (that is, PPE/SEBS) increases. However,the relationship between PPE/SEBS and color shift (ΔE) is more complex.Relative to Examples 15 and 16 with higher PPE/SEBS ratios, Example 13with a PPE/SEBS ratio of 0.42 and Example 14 with a PPE/SEBS ratio of0.68 have higher ΔE values of about 1.8 and 1.4, respectively, at 100hours exposure, but their ΔE values then decline between 200 and 500hours exposure. In contrast, Examples 15 and 16 both exhibit ΔE valuesof about 1 at 100 hours, a decrease in ΔE to about 0.2 after 200 hours,and increasing ΔE going from 300 to 400 to 500 hours. Notwithstandingthe differences in ΔE versus time trends as a function of PPE/SEBS,Examples 12-17 collectively show that ΔE values less than 2 for xenonarc exposures as long as 500 hours can be achieved for PPE/SEBS ratiosfrom 0.25 to 2.13 and poly(arylene ether) concentrations of 10 to 45weight percent. The data from these experiments also suggest thatcompositions comprising 10 to 45 weight percent poly(arylene ether) canexhibit the flexibility, softness, and UV stability needed for use as acovering for electrically conductive cable and coaxial cable.

TABLE 5 Ex. 12 Ex. 13 Ex. 14 Ex. 15 Ex. 16 Ex. 17 Compositions 0.46 IVPPE 10.35 16.35 22.77 28.77 34.77 45.00 SEBS-K6936 33.76 31.76 25.7619.76 13.76 12.56 SEBS/EPR/MO 18.81 18.81 18.81 18.81 18.81 18.81Polybutene 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 0 Melamine polyphosphate 8.95 4.954.95 4.95 4.95 4.95 Mg(OH)₂ 3.96 3.96 3.96 3.90 3.90 0.00 Erucamide 0.190.19 0.20 0.19 0.19 0.19 Phen. AO-1024 0.09 0.10 0.10 0.09 0.09 0.09 ZnS0.14 0.14 0.15 0.14 0.14 0.14 MgO 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 Phen.AO-1076 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.96 Fragrance 0.21 0.21 0.21 0.21 0.210.21 Epoxy 0.33 0.33 0.33 0.33 0.33 0.33 BTZ-1 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.500.50 HALS 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 TiO₂ 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.603.60 Carbon 0.0020 0.0020 0.0020 0.0020 0.0020 0.0020 UM blue 0.0260.026 0.026 0.026 0.026 0.026 Yellow 0.00020 0.00020 0.00020 0.000200.00020 0.00020 BPADP 15.19 15.19 15.19 15.19 15.19 15.19 PPE/SEBS Ratio0.25 0.42 0.68 1.05 1.63 2.13 BPDPA/PPE 1.47 0.93 0.67 0.53 0.44 0.34(BTZ + HALS)/PPE 0.145 0.092 0.066 0.052 0.043 0.033 Properties L* 86.0986.72 86.78 86.88 86.71 86.67 a* −0.95 −1.24 −1.36 −1.45 −1.55 −1.68 b*1.126 0.997 1.247 1.354 1.944 2.987 ΔE at 100 0.95 1.78 1.36 1.06 0.990.94 ΔE at 200 0.23 1.78 1.18 0.2 0.24 0.68 ΔE at 300 0.24 1.74 1.190.30 0.40 1.24 ΔE at 400 0.48 1.72 0.91 0.82 0.84 2.30 ΔE at 500 0.941.52 0.61 1.5 1.5 3.24 Shore A 65 76 83 87 92 96 Flex Mod. (MPa) 26 68133 199 323 840 Tensile strength at break 5 10 13 15 16 24 (MPa) Tensileelongation at break 252 200 189 135 73 27 (%) UL94 flame-out time (sec)32 33 16 4.5 3.0 2.9 UL94 rating V2 V2 V1 V0 V0 V0

EXAMPLES 18-21

These examples illustrate the effects of polybutene concentration on UVstability and physical properties.

Compositions are detailed in Table 6. Apolystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymerhaving a polystyrene content of 13 weight percent and a melt flow of 22grams per 10 minutes measured at 230° C. with a 5 kilogram force wasobtained from Kraton Polymers as Kraton G1657M (“SEBS-K1657M” in Table6).

Property results are presented in Table 6. The results show thatincreasing levels of polybutene are generally associated with enhancedcolor stability (decreasing ΔE values). One might speculate that some ofthe UV stability improvement could be attributed to the relativelyUV-inert nature of polybutene. However, the maximum polybuteneconcentration is about 8 weight percent of the total concentration. So,the variations in polybutene concentration are small enough that theyhave relatively small effects on the tensile properties and Shore Ahardness and therefore would be expected to have a relatively smalleffect on UV stability. Instead, addition of a small amount ofpolybutene has a significant beneficial effect on UV stability.

TABLE 6 Ex. 18 Ex. 19 Ex. 20 Ex. 21 Compositions SEBS-K6936 23.0 24.024.0 24.0 SEBS/EPR/MO 18.7 18.7 18.7 18.7 Polybutene 8.1 4.1 2.1 0.00.46 IV PPE 22.0 22.0 22.0 22.0 Melamine polyphosphate 5.0 8.0 8.0 8.0Mg(OH)₂ 3.9 3.9 3.9 4.1 SEBS-K1657M 0 0 0 4.0 Epoxy 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5BTZ-1 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 HALS 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 TiO₂ 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60Carbon 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 Green36 0.00002 0.00002 0.00002 0.00002UM blue 0.026 0.026 0.026 0.026 Yellow 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 BPADP15.2 15.2 15.2 15.2 PPE/SEBS 0.72 0.70 0.70 0.70 BPADP/PPE 0.69 0.690.69 0.69 (BTZ + HALS)/PPE 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 Properties ΔE at 100 h1.48 1.79 1.61 2.16 ΔE at 200 h 1.26 1.59 1.35 1.87 ΔE at 300 h 0.961.37 1.00 1.50 ΔE at 400 h 0.84 1.33 0.89 1.40 ΔE at 500 h 0.67 1.150.71 1.25 Tensile stress at break 11 10 14 13. (MPa) Tensile elongationat 235 242 218 226 break (%) Shore A hardness 72 78 83 82

EXAMPLES 22-27

These examples illustrate the effects of variations in the SEBS/EPR/MO,polybutene, SEBS, and melamine pyrophosphate concentrations on UVstability and physical properties.

Compositions are detailed in Table 7. As noted above, SEBS/EPR/MO is amelt-kneaded blend of 40%polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene, 10% ethylene-propylenerubber, and 50% mineral oil.

The results for Example 26, in particular its different initial color(much yellower than the desired light gray color), suggest that someerror may have occurred in the formulation or compounding of thismaterial. With the exception of Example 26, the results in Table 7indicate that the tensile properties and UV stabilities of theseformulations are robust to variations in the concentrations ofSEBS/EPR/MO, polybutene, SEBS, and melamine pyrophosphate.

TABLE 7 Ex. 22 Ex. 23 Ex. 24 Ex. 25 Ex. 26 Ex. 27 Compositions 0.46 IVPPE 21.2 21.2 20.3 20.9 20.8 21.3 SEBS-K6936 23.1 23.1 22.1 22.7 21.722.1 SEBS/EPR/MO 14.2 10.3 17.2 17.7 17.7 20.1 Polybutene 4.0 3.9 0 04.0 0 Melamine polyphosphate 7.66 7.66 13.81 10.41 8.47 8.63 Mg(OH)₂3.82 3.82 5.43 6.53 5.58 5.69 SEBS-K1657M 3.85 7.71 0 0 0 0 Epoxy 0.480.48 0.46 0.47 0.47 0.48 BTZ-1 0.96 0.96 0.92 0.95 0.95 0.96 HALS 0.960.96 0.92 0.95 0.95 0.96 TiO₂ 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 Carbon 0.0020.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 Green36 0.00002 0.00002 0.00002 0.000020.00002 0.00002 UM blue 0.026 0.026 0.026 0.026 0.026 0.026 Yellow0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 BPADP 14.63 14.63 13.98 14.3714.37 14.63 PPE/SEBS ratio (wt) 0.65 0.61 0.70 0.70 0.72 0.71 BPADP/PEE0.69 0.69 0.69 0.69 0.69 0.69 (BTZ + HALS)/PPE 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.090.09 Properties L* 86.25 86.81 86.62 86.82 91.73 86.87 a* −2.09 −2.06−2.04 −2.04 −0.59 −2.09 b* 2.64 1.58 2.28 2.18 7.70 1.76 Tensile stressat break (MPa) 12.4 13.0 13.2 13.1 10.5 13.8 Tensile elongation at break(%) 205 215 176 199 226 219 Flexible modulus (MPa) 162 165 228 189 141199 Shore A 82 88 82 87 87 79 ΔE at 100 h 2.96 1.70 1.89 1.90 3.45 1.76ΔE at 200 h 2.74 1.43 1.67 1.67 3.43 1.48 ΔE at 300 h 2.39 1.10 1.341.35 3.25 1.11 ΔE at 400 h 2.32 1.00 1.24 1.24 3.13 0.95 ΔE at 500 h2.18 0.84 1.12 1.07 3.30 0.91

EXAMPLE 28, COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES 22-26

These examples and comparative examples illustrate variation of thehydrogenated block copolymer type and partial substitution of HIPS forhydrogenated block copolymer.

Many of the examples above use Kraton A RP6936 as the hydrogenated blockcopolymer. It is a linear triblockpolystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene copolymer having apolystyrene content of 39% and a number average molecular weight ofabout 160,000 atomic mass units. Example 28 uses a linear triblockpolystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene copolymer having apolystyrene content of about 30%, obtained as Kraton G1650 from KratonPolymers (“SEBS-KG1650” in Table 8). Comparative Examples 22-26 useblends of HIPS and different hydrogenated block copolymers. Thefollowing block copolymers were obtained from Kraton Polymers: KratonG1651 (“SEBS-KG1651” in Table 8) is a linear triblockpolystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene copolymer having apolystyrene content of 33%; Kraton D1101 (“SBS” in Table 8) is a lineartriblock polystyrene-polybutadiene-polystyrene copolymer having apolystyrene content of 31%; Kraton G1701 (“SEP-KG1701” in Table 8) is alinear diblock polystyrene-poly(ethylene-propylene) copolymer having apolystyrene content of 37%; Kraton G1702 (“SEP-KG1701” in Table 8) is alinear diblock polystyrene-poly(ethylene-propylene) copolymer having apolystyrene content of 28%.

The benzophenone light stabilizer 2-hydroxy-4-n-octoxybenzophenone wasobtained from Cytec Corporation as Cyasorb UV-531 (“Cyasorb UV-531” inTable 8).

The results in Table 8 indicate that the UV stability advantages of theinventive composition are robust to variations in the poly(alkenylaromatic) content of the hydrogenated block copolymer. Although it isnot possible cleanly resolve the effects of HIPS addition and blockcopolymer type and amount, the results for Example 28 and ComparativeExamples 22-26 suggest that HIPS concentrations greater than 20 percentmay have a substantial adverse effect on UV stability.

TABLE 8 C. Ex. C. Ex. C. Ex. C. Ex. C. Ex. Ex. 28 22 23 24 25 26Compositions 0.46 IV PPE 19.81 19.81 19.81 19.81 19.81 19.81 Cyasorb0.44 0.44 0.44 0.44 0.44 0.44 UV-531 HALS 0.88 0.88 0.88 0.88 0.88 0.88Melamine 4.31 4.31 4.31 4.31 4.31 4.31 polyphosphate Mg(OH)₂ 3.45 3.453.45 3.45 3.45 3.45 Erucamide 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 Phen.AO-1024 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 ZnS 0.13 0.13 0.13 0.13 0.13 0.13MgO 0.13 0.13 0.13 0.13 0.13 0.13 Phen. AO-1076 0.43 0.43 0.43 0.43 0.430.43 Epoxy 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.29 TiO₂ 3.15 3.15 3.15 3.15 3.153.15 UM blue 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 BPADP 15.73 15.73 15.73 15.7315.73 15.73 SEBS-KG1650 50.98 25.49 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 SEBS-KG1651 0.000.00 25.49 0.00 0.00 0.00 SBS 0.00 0.00 0.00 25.49 0.00 0.00 SEP-KG17020.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 25.49 0.00 SEP-KG1701 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 25.49HIPS 0.00 25.49 25.49 25.49 25.49 25.49 Properties ΔE at 300 h 1.3810.04 12.10 6.14 11.59 11.85

EXAMPLE 29, COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES 27-29

These examples illustrate the effects of hydrogenated block copolymerversus rubber-modified polystyrene, and presence and absence of triarylphosphate.

Compositions are detailed in Table 9.

“Resin color” in Table 9 was evaluated by visual inspection.

The results for Comparative Examples 27 and 28, which containrubber-modified polystyrene (HIPS) but no hydrogenated block copolymer,show that the samples exhibited poor UV stability as indicated by ΔEvalues of 5.0 and 14.8, respectively, after 300 hours xenon arc exposureshow. In addition, Comparative Example 28 was initially gray rather thanthe desired white. Comparative Example 5, which includes hydrogenatedblock copolymer but lacks a triaryl phosphate, exhibits poor UVstability. Example 26, which includes both hydrogenated block copolymerand triaryl phosphate, exhibits the desirable initial white color andexcellent UV stability.

TABLE 9 C. Ex. 27 C. Ex. 28 C. Ex. 29 Ex. 29 Compositions 0.46 IV PPE33.19 28.9 33.19 27.97 LLDPE-1 0 1.4 0 0 Benzoin 0 0.5 0 0 TDP 0 0.5 0 0SEBS-K6936 0 0 61.64 51.94 HIPS 61.64 41.9 0 0 TiO₂ 3.4 3.7 3.4 2.9Ultramarine blue 0.0242 0.669 0.0242 0.0204 Carbon black 0.0019 0.0210.0019 0.0016 Iron oxide 0 0.905 0 0 BPADP 0 17.5 0 16.0 Epoxy 0.31 00.31 0.31 BTZ-1 0.47 0.9 0.47 0.40 HALS 0.95 0.9 0.95 0.79 PPE/SEBS 0 00.54 0.54 PPE/HIPS 0.54 0.69 0 0 BPADP/PPE 0.00 0.6 0 0.57 (BTZ +HALS)/PPE 0.04 0.06 0.04 0.042 Properties ΔE at 300 h 14.8 5.0 19.8 0.6Resin Color white gray white white

EXAMPLES 30-36, COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES 30-37

These examples illustrate the effects of varying concentrations ofpoly(arylene ether), hydrogenated block copolymer, SEBS/EPR/MO, triarylphosphate, and polybutene, as well as the effect of hydrogenated blockcopolymer versus rubber-modified polystyrene in compositions lacking atriaryl phosphate.

Compositions are detailed in Table 10.

CIE lightness values, L*, and ΔE values after 300 and 500 hours of xenonarc exposure are presented in Table 10. All compositions had similarlightness values. Various comparisons illustrate the profoundimprovement in UV stability associated with the presence of the triarylphosphate BPADP in compositions containing identical parts by weight ofother components: Comparative Example 31 (no BPADP; ΔE@300 h=11.5,ΔE@500 h=11.9) versus Example 30 (+BPADP; ΔE@300 h=0.9, ΔE@500 h=0.6);Comparative Example 32 (no BPADP; ΔE@300 h=11.0, ΔE@500 h=11.7) versusExample 31 (+BPADP; ΔE@300 h=0.8, ΔE@500 h=0.5); Comparative Example 33(no BPADP; ΔE@300 h=11.1, ΔE@500 h=12.0) versus Example 32 (+BPADP;ΔE@300 h=1.1, ΔE@500 h=0.6); Comparative Example 35 (no BPADP; ΔE@300h=17.4, ΔE@500 h=17.3) versus Example 35 (+BPADP; ΔE@300 h=0.5, ΔE@500h=1.5); Comparative Example 36 (no BPADP; ΔE@300 h=15.9, ΔE@500 h=16.7)versus Example 36 (+BPADP; ΔE@300 h=0.8, ΔE@500 h=1.6).

Comparative Example 30 and Comparative Example 31 collectivelyillustrate the effect of HIPS versus SEBS for compositions lacking atriaryl phosphate. It is actually the HIPS-containing sample thatexhibits a lower (better) ΔE value after 300 hours, and both sampleshave very large ΔE values after 500 hours. This comparison furtherillustrates that the substantially improved UV stability of acomposition comprising poly(arylene ether), hydrogenated blockcopolymer, and triaryl phosphate is unexpected.

The results for Examples 30-32 collectively show that the excellent UVstability of the composition is fairly robust to substitutingSEBS/EPR/MO blend for about 25% of the SEBS, and substituting polybutenefor about 15% of the SEBS.

TABLE 10 C. Ex. C. Ex. C. Ex. 30 31 Ex. 30 32 Ex. 31 Compositions 0.46IV PPE 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 HIPS 80.00 0 0 0 0 SEBS/ 0 0 020.00 20.00 EPR/MO Polybutene 0 0 0 0 0 SEBS- 0 80.00 80.00 60.00 60.00K6936 Epoxy 0.33 0.33 0.33 0.33 0.33 BTZ-1 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 HALS1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 TiO₂ 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 Carbon 0.0020.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 Green36 0.00002 0.00002 0.00002 0.00002 0.00002UM blue 0.026 0.026 0.026 0.026 0.026 Yellow 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 0.00020.0002 BPADP 0 0 20.00 0 20.00 PPE/SEBS — 0.25 0.25 0.29 0.29 PPE/HIPS0.25 — — — — BPADP/PPE 0 0 1 0 1 (BTZ + 0.075 0.075 0.075 0.075 0.075HALS)/PPE Properties CIE L* 85.2 86.2 85.9 86.1 86.2 value ΔE after 3.911.5 0.9 11.0 0.8 300 h ΔE after 11.4 11.9 0.6 11.7 0.5 500 h C. Ex. C.Ex. 33 Ex. 32 34 Ex. 33 Ex. 34 Compositions 0.46 IV PPE 20.00 20.0020.00 20.00 35.00 HIPS 0 0 0 0 0 SEBS/ 0 0 20.00 20.00 0 EPR/MOPolybutene 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 0 SEBS- 70.00 70.00 50.00 50.00 65.00K6936 Epoxy 0.33 0.33 0.33 0.33 0.33 BTZ-1 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 HALS1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 TiO₂ 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 Carbon 0.0020.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 Green36 0.00002 0.00002 0.00002 0.00002 0.00002UM blue 0.026 0.026 0.026 0.026 0.026 Yellow 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 0.00020.0002 BPADP 0 20.00 0 20.00 20.00 PPE/SEBS 0.29 0.29 0.34 0.34 0.54PPE/HIPS — — — — — BPADP/ 0 1 0 1 1 SEBS (BTZ + 0.075 0.075 0.075 0.0750.043 HALS)/PPE Properties CIE L* 86.4 86.0 86.3 — 85.8 value ΔE after11.1 1.1 10.9 — 0.6 300 h ΔE after 12.0 0.6 11.9 — 1.2 500 h C. Ex. C.Ex. C. Ex. 35 Ex. 35 36 Ex. 36 37 Compositions 0.46 IV PPE 35.00 35.0035.00 35.00 35.00 HIPS 0 0 0 0 0 SEBS/ 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 0 EPR/MOPolybutene 0 0 10.00 10.00 10.00 SEBS- 45.00 45.00 35.00 35.00 55.00K6936 Epoxy 0.33 0.33 0.33 0.33 0.33 BTZ-1 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 HALS1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 TiO₂ 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 Carbon 0.0020.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 Green36 0.00002 0.00002 0.00002 0.00002 0.00002UM blue 0.026 0.026 0.026 0.026 0.026 Yellow 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 0.00020.0002 BPADP 0.00 20.00 0 20.00 0 PPE/SEBS 0.66 0.66 0.81 0.81 0.64PPE/HIPS — — — — — BPADP/PPE 0 0.57 0 0.57 0 (BTZ + 0.042 0.042 0.0420.042 0.042 HALS)/PPE Properties CIE L* 85.9 86.1 86.1 86.3 86.1 valueΔE after 17.4 0.5 15.9 0.8 17.2 300 h ΔE after 17.3 1.5 16.7 1.6 17.7500 h

EXAMPLES 37, 38, 38A, AND 38B

These examples further illustrate the excellent UV stability, andphysical, electrical, and flame-retardant properties of thecompositions.

Compositions are detailed in Table 11.

Relative permittivity was measured according to ASTM D150-98(2004),“Standard Test Methods for AC Loss Characteristics and Permittivity(Dielectric Constant) of Solid Electrical Insulation”. The sample shapewas a tensile testing bar having a 3 millimeters thickness. The surfaceof the sample must be flat so as to make good contact with the testfixture electrodes on both sides of the sample. The sample was dried at85° C. for 2 hours. After drying, the sample was conditioned at roomtemperature of 23° C. and 50 percent relative humidity for 24 hoursbefore testing. The measurement circuit was an Agilent 4291B RImpedance/Materials Analyzer made by Hewlett Packard, and the typicalfrequencies used were 60 hertz, 1 megahertz, and 100 megahertz.

The flame retardancy of test articles was determined according toUnderwriter's Laboratory UL 94, “Test for Flammability of PlasticMaterials for Parts in Devices and Appliances”, 5th Edition (1996).Specifically, the Vertical Burning Flame Test was used. In thisprocedure, a test bar with dimensions 125×12.59×3.2 millimeters ismounted vertically. A 1.9 centimeter (three-quarter inch) flame isapplied to the end of the test bar for 10 seconds and removed. The timeto extinguish is measured (first burn time). The flame is reapplied foranother 10 seconds and removed. The time to extinguish is measured(second burn time). For a V-0 rating, no individual burn times from thefirst or second flame application may exceed 10 seconds; the total ofthe burn times for any five specimens may not exceed 50 seconds; anddrip particles that ignite a piece of cotton gauze situated below thespecimen are not allowed; burn-to-clamps is not allowed. For a V-1rating, no individual burn times from the first or second flameapplication may exceed 30 seconds; the total of the burn times for anyfive specimens may not exceed 250 seconds; and drip particles thatignite a piece of cotton gauze situated below the specimen are notallowed. For a V-2 rating, no individual burn times from the first orsecond flame application may exceed 30 seconds; the total of the burntimes for any five specimens may not exceed 250 seconds; and dripparticles that ignite a piece of cotton gauze situated below thespecimen are allowed, but burn-to-clamps is not allowed.

The property results in Table 11 show that these formulations exhibitexcellent UV stability and also have physical, electric, andflame-retardant properties that make them suitable for use as a coveringfor conductive cables. The compositions are particularly suitable foruse as a covering for cables used with solid state audio and audio/videoplayers such as Ipods.

TABLE 11 Ex. 37 Ex. 38 Ex. 38A Ex. 38B Compositions 0.46 IV PPE 22.0124.00 25.50 27.00 SEBS K6936 22.97 23.00 22.50 19.00 SEBS/EPR/MO 18.6814.50 14.00 8.00 Polybutene 8.67 6.50 5.50 8.00 SEBS K1657 0.00 0.000.00 8.00 Melamine polyphosphate 4.95 10.00 13.50 11.00 Mg(OH)₂ 3.967.00 6.12 6.00 Erucamide 0.19 0.80 0.40 0.40 Phen. AO-1024 0.10 0.100.10 0.10 ZnS 0.14 0.15 0.15 0.15 MgO 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 Phen. AO-10760.96 0.96 0.90 0.90 Fragrance 0.20 0.12 0.10 0.12 Epoxy 0.33 0.33 0.330.33 BTZ-1 0.50 0.50 0.75 0.75 HALS 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 TiO₂ 3.59913.5991 3.5991 3.5991 Carbon 0.0020 0.0020 0.0020 0.0020 UM blue 0.000020.0640 0.02560 0.02560 Yellow 0.02560 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 Iron oxide0.00020 0.03 0.00 0.00 BPADP 15.19 11.00 9.00 9.10 Properties ΔE at 300h 0.8 2.3 — — Shore A hardness 80 80 84 84 Tensile strength at break 1313.4 15 15 (MPa) Tensile elongation at 200 191 84 79 break (%) Flexuralmodulus (MPa) 80 65 178 169 UL 94 V-0 3.2 mm V-1 V-1 V-0 V-0 RelativePermittivity at 2.9 2.9 — — 60 Hz

EXAMPLES 39-41, COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES 38-40

These examples further illustrates that the UV stabilization advantagesof the invention extend to compositions comprising polyolefin.

A linear low density polyethylene having a density of 0.924 grams permilliliter, a melting point of 123° C., and a melt index of 20 grams per10 minutes measured at 190° C. and 2.16 kilograms force according ASTMD1238 was obtained as DNDA-7144 NT 7 from Dow. The linear low densitypolyethylene is designated “LLDPE-2” in Table 12. All other componentsare described above.

The results in Table 12 show that excellent UV stability was exhibitedby Examples 39-41 with poly(arylene ether), hydrogenated blockcopolymer, triaryl phosphate, polyolefin, and ultraviolet radiationstabilizer (evidenced by values of ΔE at 300 hours less than or equal to1.43). Corresponding Comparative Examples 38-40 lacking an ultravioletradiation stabilizer exhibited much worse UV stability (evidenced byvalues of ΔE at 300 hours greater than or equal to 4.69).

TABLE 12 Ex. 39 C. Ex. 38 Ex. 40 C. Ex. 39 Compositions 0.46 IV PPE31.09 31.09 28.87 28.87 SEBS-K1657M 22.86 22.86 21.65 21.65 LLDPE-214.63 14.63 14.43 14.43 Polybutene 0 0 2.71 2.71 Melamine polyphosphate4.57 4.57 5.41 5.41 Mg(OH)₂ 5.49 5.49 5.41 5.41 Erucamide 0.00 0.00 0.450.45 Phen. AO-1024 0.10 0.10 0.09 0.09 ZnS 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14 MgO 0.140.14 0.14 0.14 Phen. AO-1076 0.91 0.91 0.90 0.90 Fragrance 0.11 0.110.11 0.11 Epoxy 0.33 0 0.33 0 BTZ-1 0.5 0 0.5 0 HALS 1.0 0 1.0 0 TiO₂3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 Carbon 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 Green36 0.000020.00002 0.00002 0.00002 UM blue 0.026 0.026 0.026 0.026 Yellow 0.00020.0002 0.0002 0.0002 RDP 18.29 18.29 18.04 18.04 Properties ΔE at 300 h1.19 9.47 1.43 4.69 Shore A 91 90 89 89 Tensile strength at @ 11 12.510.0 10.2 break (MPa) TE (%) 54 63 62 67 Flex Modulus (MPa) 314 314 271252 Ex. 41 C. Ex. 40 Compositions 0.46 IV PPE 30.61 30.61 SEBS-K1657M25.36 25.36 LLDPE-2 12.92 12.92 Polybutene 1.91 1.91 Melaminepolyphosphate 5.26 5.26 Mg(OH)₂ 5.26 5.26 Erucamide 0.19 0.19 Phen.AO-1024 0.10 0.10 ZnS 0.14 0.14 MgO 0.14 0.14 Phen. AO-1076 0.96 0.96Fragrance 0.11 0.11 Epoxy 0.33 0 BTZ-1 0.5 0 HALS 1.0 0 TiO₂ 3.60 3.60Carbon 0.002 0.002 Green36 0.00002 0.00002 UM blue 0.026 0.026 Yellow0.0002 0.0002 RDP 18.29 18.29 Properties ΔE at 300 h 0.69 6.65 Shore A88 88 Tensile strength at @ break (MPa) 10.1 11.3 TE (%) 86 90 FlexModulus (MPa) 216 191

EXAMPLE 42, COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 41

These examples illustrate that the UV stability advantages of theinvention extend to compositions comprising an ethylene/alpha-olefincopolymer.

An ethylene-octene copolymer having a density at 23° C. of 0.882 gramper milliliter measured according to ISO 1183, a melting point of 70° C.measured by differential scanning calorimetry according to ASTM D3418,and a melt flow rate of 1.1 decigrams per minute measured at 190° C. and2.16 kilogram force according to ISO 1133 was obtained as Exact 8201from DEXPLASTOMERS (“PEO” in Table 13). Butylated triphenyl phosphatewas obtained from Supresta (“BTPP” in Table 13). All other component aredescribed above.

The results in Table 13 show that Example 42, containing poly(aryleneether), hydrogenated block copolymer, ethylene-octene copolymer, triarylphosphate, and ultraviolet radiation stabilizer exhibited excellent UVstability, whereas Comparative Example 41, which lacked the ultravioletradiation stabilizer, exhibited very poor UV stability.

TABLE 13 Ex. 42 C. Ex. 41 Compositions 0.46 IV PPE 27.34 28.00SEBS-KG1650 9.76 10.00 PEO 48.82 50.00 BTPP 11.72 12.00 Phen. AO-10240.10 0.10 ZnS 0.14 0.14 MgO 0.15 0.15 Fragrance 0.20 0.20 Epoxy 0.33 0BTZ-1 0.50 0 HALS 1.00 0 TiO₂ 3.59910 3.59910 Carbon 0.00200 0.00200 UMBlue 0.02560 0.02560 Yellow 0.00020 0.00020 Properties Tensile strengthat break (MPa) 13.8 12.8 Tensile elongation at break (%) 123 123 Shore A88 87 Flame out time (sec) 120 120 ΔE at 100 h 1.28 0.96 ΔE at 200 h0.94 5.85 ΔE at 300 h 0.30 15.62 ΔE at 400 h 0.45 21.69 ΔE at 500 h 1.1424.04

EXAMPLES 43-48

These examples illustrate the effects of variations in the flameretardant type and amount. In Examples 43 and 44, the flame retardant isa combination of melamine polyphosphate and bisphenol A bis(diphenylphosphate); the two samples differ slightly in the amount of bisphenol Abis(diphenyl phosphate). Examples 43 and 44 also contain a linear lowdensity polyethylene obtained as NUCG5381 from Nagase (“LLDPE-3” inTable 14). Examples 45-48 lack linear low density polyethylene. InExamples 45 and 46, the flame retardant is a combination of melaminepolyphosphate, melamine pyrophosphate, and bisphenol A bis(diphenylphosphate). In Examples 47 and 48, the flame retardant is a combinationof melamine polyphosphate, melamine pyrophosphate, and resorcinolbis(diphenyl phosphate).

The results in Table 14 show that all samples exhibit excellent UVstability. The results also show that Examples 43 and 44, which containlinear low density polyethylene and the flame retardant combination ofmelamine polyphosphate and bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate), achievedthe highly desirable UL94 V-0 rating. Also, the results show thatExamples 45-48, which lack linear low density polyethylene, exhibitedrelatively low Shore A hardness values, as required for some cablecovering applications. Also, the results show that BPADP is better thanRDP for UV stability.

TABLE 14 Ex. 43 Ex. 44 Ex. 45 Ex. 46 Compositions 0.46 IV PPE 27.0127.01 27.01 27.01 SEBS-K6936 20.26 20.26 20.26 20.26 SEBS/EPR/MO 10.0010.00 15.00 15.00 LLDPE-3 5.00 5.00 0 0 Polybutene 4.00 4.00 6.00 6.00Melamine polyphosphate 6.00 6.00 4.82 4.82 Mg(OH)₂ 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00Erucamide 0.48 0.48 0.48 0.48 Phen. AO-1024 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 ZnS 0.140.14 0.14 0.14 MgO 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14 Melamine pyrophosphate 0 0 7.727.72 BTPP 6.00 6.00 0 0 Phen. AO-1076 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.96 Fragrance 0.120.12 0.12 0.12 Epoxy 0.33 0.33 0.33 0.33 BTZ-1 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 HALS1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 TiO₂ 3.59910 3.59910 3.59910 3.59910 Carbon 0.002000.00200 0.00200 0.00200 UM Blue 0.02560 0.02560 0.02560 0.02560 Yellow0.00020 0.00020 0.00020 0.00020 BPADP 9.00 10.00 9.00 10.00 RDP 0 0 0 0Properties ΔE at 100 h 1.82 1.78 0.7 0.84 ΔE at 200 h 1.42 1.32 1.571.08 ΔE at 300 h 1.36 1.23 1.87 1.4 Flexural modulus (MPa) 286 304 — —Tensile strength at break 15 151 14 14 (MPa) Tensile elongation at 150140 146 148 break (%) Shore A 92 91 84 84 UL 94 rating V-0 V-0 V-1 V-1UL94 flame-out time 2.6 3.1 7.3 4.9 (sec) Ex. 47 Ex. 48 Compositions0.46 IV PPE 27.01 27.01 SEBS-K6936 20.26 20.26 SEBS/EPR/MO 16.40 15.00LLDPE-3 0 0 Polybutene 6.00 6.00 Melamine polyphosphate 4.82 5.00Mg(OH)₂ 4.82 5.00 Erucamide 0.48 0.48 Phen. AO-1024 0.10 0.10 ZnS 0.140.14 MgO 0.14 0.14 Melamine pyrophosphate 7.72 7.72 BTPP 0 0 Phen.AO-1076 0.96 0.96 Fragrance 0.12 0.12 Epoxy 0.33 0.33 BTZ-1 0.50 0.50HALS 1.00 1.00 TiO₂ 3.59910 3.59910 Carbon 0.00200 0.00200 UM Blue0.02560 0.02560 Yellow 0.00020 0.00020 BPADP 0 0 RDP 9.00 10.00Properties ΔE at 100 h 0.52 0.41 ΔE at 200 h 1.64 1.57 ΔE at 300 h 2.562.62 Flexural modulus (MPa) — — Tensile strength at break (MPa) 14 13Tensile elongation at break (%) 136 149 Shore A 81 84 UL 94 rating V-1V-1 UL94 flame-out time (sec) 6.4 6.4

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the inventionis defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur tothose skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be withinthe scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do notdiffer from the literal language of the claims, of if they includeequivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from theliteral language of the claims.

All cited patents, patent applications, and other references areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety. However, if a termin the present application contradicts or conflicts with a term in theincorporated reference, the term from the present application takesprecedence over the conflicting term from the incorporated reference.

All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and theendpoints are independently combinable with each other.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. Further, it should be noted that the terms “first,” “second,”and the like herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance,but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. Themodifier “about” used in connection with a quantity is inclusive of thestated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., itincludes the degree of error associated with measurement of theparticular quantity).

1. A composition, comprising: about 10 to about 45 weight percent of apoly(arylene ether); about 9 to about 80 weight percent of ahydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and aconjugated diene; about 8 to about 25 weight percent of a plasticizer;about 1 to about 12 weight percent of a white pigment; and about 0.1 toabout 5 weight percent of an ultraviolet radiation stabilizer; whereinthe hydrogenated block copolymer and the poly(arylene ether) are presentin a weight ratio of about 0.3:1 to about 4:1; wherein the compositioncomprises less than or equal to 20 weight percent of rubber-modifiedpolystyrene; wherein the composition is substantially free ofpolyethylene homopolymers and polypropylene homopolymers; wherein allweight percents are based on the total weight of the composition; andwherein the composition exhibits a CIE lightness value, L*, value of atleast 70 measured according to ASTM D2244, and a CIELAB color shift, ΔE,less than or equal to 3 measured according to ASTM D2244 after 300 hoursexposure to xenon arc exposure according to ASTM D4459.
 2. Thecomposition of claim 1, exhibiting a CIE lightness value, L*, value ofat least
 80. 3. The composition of claim 1, exhibiting a CIELAB colorshift, ΔE, less than or equal to 3 measured according to ASTM D2244after 500 hours exposure to xenon arc exposure according to ASTM D4459.4. The composition of claim 1, exhibiting a CIELAB color shift, ΔE, lessthan or equal to 3 measured according to ASTM D2244 after 1000 hoursexposure to xenon arc exposure according to ASTM D4459.
 5. Thecomposition of claim 1, exhibiting a flexural modulus less than or equalto 300 megapascals, measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.
 6. Thecomposition of claim 1, exhibiting a tensile elongation at 23° C.greater than or equal to 100 percent, measured according to ASTM D638.7. The composition of claim 1, wherein hydrogenated block copolymer ofis a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer.8. The composition of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of thehydrogenated block copolymer is provided in the form of a melt-kneadedblend comprising hydrogenated block copolymer, and further comprising anethylene-propylene copolymer, and mineral oil.
 9. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the hydrogenated block copolymer and the poly(aryleneether) are present in a weight ratio of about 1.2:1 to about 3:1. 10.The composition of claim 1, wherein the plasticizer is selected from thegroup consisting of benzoate esters, pentaerythritol esters, phthalateesters, trimellitate esters, pyromellitate esters, triaryl phosphates,and mixtures thereof.
 11. The composition of claim 1, wherein theplasticizer is a triaryl phosphate.
 12. The composition of claim 1,wherein the plasticizer is bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate).
 13. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the white pigment is zinc sulfide,titanium dioxide, or a mixture thereof.
 14. The composition of claim 1,wherein the ultraviolet radiation stabilizer is a UV absorber selectedfrom the group consisting of benzophenone UV absorbers, benzotriazole UVabsorbers, hindered amine light stabilizers, cinnamate UV absorbers,oxanilide UV absorbers, 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine UVabsorbers, benzoxazinone-type UV absorbers, and mixtures thereof. 15.The composition of claim 14, wherein the ultraviolet radiationstabilizer further comprises a cycloaliphatic epoxy compound.
 16. Thecomposition of claim 1, further comprising a polybutene.
 17. Thecomposition of claim 16, wherein the polybutene has a number averagemolecular weight of about 700 to about 1,000 atomic mass units.
 18. Thecomposition of claim 1, further comprising 0.5 to about 6 weight percentof a copolymer of ethylene and a C₃-C₁₂ alpha-olefin.
 19. Thecomposition of claim 18, wherein the copolymer of ethylene and a C₃-C₁₂alpha-olefin is an ethylene-propylene rubber.
 20. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the composition excludes copolymers of ethylene and aC₃-C₁₂ alpha-olefin copolymer.
 21. The composition of claim 1, whereinthe composition excludes polyethylene homopolymers and polypropylenehomopolymers.
 22. The composition of claim 1, further comprising about 2to about 20 weight percent of mineral oil.
 23. The composition of claim1, further comprising a flame retardant selected from the groupconsisting of magnesium hydroxide, melamine phosphate, melaminepyrophosphate, melamine polyphosphate, and combinations thereof.
 24. Thecomposition of claim 1, further comprising a flame retardant comprisingmagnesium hydroxide and melamine polyphosphate; wherein the compositionexhibits a UL94 rating of V-0 at a thickness of 3.2 millimeters.
 25. Thecomposition of claim 1, further comprising a flame retardant comprisingmagnesium hydroxide and melamine polyphosphate; wherein the compositionexhibits a UL94 rating of V-1 at a thickness of 3.2 millimeters.
 26. Thecomposition of claim 1, comprising a dispersed phase comprising thepoly(arylene ether), and a continuous phase comprising the hydrogenatedblock copolymer.
 27. A composition, comprising: about 18 to about 30weight percent of a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether); about 23 toabout 35 weight percent of apolystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer;about 4 to about 10 weight percent of a polybutene; about 0.5 to about 3weight percent of an ethylene-propylene rubber; about 3 to about 10weight percent of mineral oil; about 8 to about 16 weight percent ofbisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate); about 2 to about 10 weight percentof magnesium hydroxide; about 4 to about 16 weight percent of melaminepolyphosphate; about 2 to about 6 weight percent of titanium dioxide;about 0.1 to about 0.6 weight percent of a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin;about 0.3 to about 1 weight percent of a hydroxyphenyl benzotriazole;and about 0.6 to about 1.5 weight percent of a bis(piperidinyl)sebacate; wherein the composition is substantially free ofrubber-modified polystyrene, polyethylene homopolymer, and polypropylenehomopolymer; wherein all weight percents are based on the total weightof the composition; and wherein the composition exhibits a CIE lightnessvalue, L*, value of about 80 to about 90, a CIE a* value of about −1.5to about 0.5, a CIE b* value of about −2.5 to about 1.5, a CIELAB colorshift, ΔE, of about 0.1 to about 2, measured according to ASTM D2244after 300 hours exposure to xenon arc exposure according to ASTM D4459,and a flexural modulus of about 50 to about 100 megapascals, measured at23° C. according to ASTM D790.
 28. The composition of claim 27, whereinthe composition exhibits a color shift, ΔE, of about 0.1 to about 2,measured according to ASTM D2244 after 500 hours exposure to xenon arcexposure according to ASTM D4459.
 29. The composition of claim 27,wherein the composition exhibits a color shift, ΔE, of about 0.1 toabout 2, measured according to ASTM D2244 after 1,000 hours exposure toxenon arc exposure according to ASTM D4459.
 30. A method of preparing athermoplastic composition, comprising: melt kneading about 10 to about45 weight percent of a poly(arylene ether), about 9 to about 80 weightpercent of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromaticcompound and a conjugated diene, about 8 to about 25 weight percent of aplasticizer, about 1 to about 12 weight percent of a white pigment, andabout 0.1 to about 5 weight percent of an ultraviolet radiationstabilizer; wherein the hydrogenated block copolymer and thepoly(arylene ether) are present in a weight ratio of about 0.3:1 toabout 4:1; wherein the composition comprises less than or equal to 20weight percent of rubber-modified polystyrene; wherein the compositionis substantially free of polyethylene homopolymer and polypropylenehomopolymer; wherein all weight percents are based on the total weightof the composition; and wherein the composition exhibits a CIE lightnessvalue, L*, value of at least 70 measured according to ASTM D2244, and aCIE color shift, ΔE, less than or equal to 3 measured according to ASTMD2244 after 300 hours exposure to xenon arc exposure according to ASTMD4459.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the poly(arylene ether) andthe plasticizer are blended with each other before being blended withthe hydrogenated block copolymer.
 32. The method of claim 30, whereinthe poly(arylene ether), the plasticizer, and the ultraviolet radiationstabilizer are blended with each other before being blended with thehydrogenated block copolymer.
 33. A method of preparing a thermoplasticcomposition, comprising: melt kneading about 18 to about 30 weightpercent of a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether); about 23 to about35 weight percent of a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrenetriblock copolymer; about 4 to about 10 weight percent of a polybutene;about 0.5 to about 3 weight percent of an ethylene-propylene rubber;about 3 to about 10 weight percent of mineral oil; about 8 to about 16weight percent of bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate); about 2 to about10 weight percent of magnesium hydroxide; about 4 to about 16 weightpercent of melamine polyphosphate; about 2 to about 6 weight percent oftitanium dioxide; about 0.1 to about 0.6 weight percent of acycloaliphatic epoxy resin; about 0.3 to about 1 weight percent of ahydroxyphenyl benzotriazole; and about 0.6 to about 1.5 weight percentof a bis(piperidinyl) sebacate; wherein the composition is substantiallyfree of rubber-modified polystyrene, polyethylene homopolymer, andpolypropylene homopolymer; wherein all weight percents are based on thetotal weight of the composition; and wherein the composition exhibits aCIE lightness value, L*, value of about 80 to about 90, a CIE a* valueof about −1.5 to about 0.5, a CIE b* value of about −2.5 to about 1.5, aCIELAB color shift, ΔE, of about 0.1 to about 2, measured according toASTM D2244 after 300 hours exposure to xenon arc exposure according toASTM D4459, and a flexural modulus of about 50 to about 100 megapascals,measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.
 34. The method of claim 33,wherein the poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) and the bisphenol Abis(diphenyl phosphate) are blended with each other before being blendedwith the polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblockcopolymer.
 35. The method of claim 33, wherein thepoly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether), the bisphenol A bis(diphenylphosphate), the cycloaliphatic epoxy resin, the hydroxyphenylbenzotriazole, and the bis(piperidinyl) sebacate are blended with eachother before being blended with thepolystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer. 36.An article comprising the composition of claim
 1. 37. An articlecomprising the composition of claim
 27. 38. Cable insulation comprisingthe composition of claim
 1. 39. Cable insulation comprising thecomposition of claim
 27. 40. A method of insulating an electrical wire,comprising: extrusion coating an electrical wire with a compositioncomprising about 10 to about 45 weight percent of a poly(arylene ether);about 9 to about 80 weight percent of a hydrogenated block copolymer ofan alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene; about 8 to about 25weight percent of a plasticizer; about 1 to about 12 weight percent of awhite pigment; and about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent of an ultravioletradiation stabilizer; wherein the hydrogenated block copolymer and thepoly(arylene ether) are present in a weight ratio of about 0.3:1 toabout 4.1; wherein the composition comprises less than or equal to 20weight percent of rubber-modified polystyrene; wherein the compositionis substantially free of polyethylene homopolymer and polypropylenehomopolymer; wherein all weight percents are based on the total weightof the composition; and wherein the composition exhibits a CIE lightnessvalue, L*, value of at least 70 measured according to ASTM D2244, and aCIELAB color shift, ΔE, less than or equal to 3 measured according toASTM D2244 after 300 hours exposure to xenon arc exposure according toASTM D4459.
 41. A method of insulating an electrical wire, comprising:extrusion coating an electrical wire with a composition comprising about18 to about 30 weight percent of a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenyleneether); about 23 to about 35 weight percent of apolystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer;about 4 to about 10 weight percent of a polybutene; about 0.5 to about 3weight percent of an ethylene-propylene rubber; about 3 to about 10weight percent of mineral oil; about 8 to about 16 weight percent ofbisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate); about 2 to about 10 weight percentof magnesium hydroxide; about 4 to about 16 weight percent of melaminepolyphosphate; about 2 to about 6 weight percent of titanium dioxide;about 0.1 to about 0.6 weight percent of a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin;about 0.3 to about 1 weight percent of a hydroxyphenyl benzotriazole;and about 0.6 to about 1.5 weight percent of a bis(piperidinyl)sebacate; wherein the composition is substantially free ofrubber-modified polystyrene, polyethylene homopolymer, and polypropylenehomopolymer; wherein all weight percents are based on the total weightof the composition; and wherein the composition exhibits a CIE lightnessvalue, L*, value of about 80 to about 90, a CIE a* value of about −1.5to about 0.5, a CIE b* value of about −2.5 to about 1.5, a CIELAB colorshift, ΔE, of about 0.1 to about 2, measured according to ASTM D2244after 300 hours exposure to xenon arc exposure according to ASTM D4459,and a flexural modulus of about 50 to about 100 megapascals, measured at23° C. according to ASTM D790.
 42. The composition of claim 1, whereinthe hydrogenated block copolymer has a weight average molecular weightof about 200,000 to about 400,000 atomic mass units.
 43. The compositionof claim 1, wherein the hydrogenated block copolymer and thepoly(arylene ether) are present in a weight ratio of about 1.2:1 toabout 3:1.